Statement from Gian Carl Casa, President & CEO, CT Community Nonprofit Alliance, on federal funding cuts to human services.
“The federal cuts hitting Connecticut today are likely the first of many that will target our most vulnerable residents. While we don’t know yet how these cuts will be implemented, we do know that nonprofits are already struggling to make ends meet and further cuts will be devastating. We also know there is serious talk of deep cuts to other programs, such as Medicaid or energy assistance, on which so many depend.
“Connecticut has a history of bipartisan support for community nonprofits and the people they serve, and today state government needs to step up. The Rainy Day is here.
“We have the money. Just last week, we learned this year’s surplus will be $1.5 billion, and more surpluses are projected for the years ahead. The rainy day fund holds more than $4 billion. We need not acquiesce to federal cuts in advance; we have the ability to meet the challenge and increase funding for nonprofits.
“The alternative is brutal. With less access to services families of people struggling with behavioral health issues will be torn, people without shelter may freeze or live in cars, adults and children with disabilities will struggle, people seeking to rebuild their lives after prison will be left without help and people who can’t get treatment for addiction may well die.
“We urge the legislature and the Governor to approve a budget that includes a $264 million increase for community nonprofits.”
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