Statement from Gian Carl Casa, President & CEO, CT Community Nonprofit Alliance, on the Appropriations Committee draft budget.
“Nonprofit providers appreciate the Appropriations Committee restoring a $19 million loss in ARPA dollars. But the proposal’s flat funding will worsen a crisis that is already enveloping community programs.
“In a survey of members earlier this year, two-thirds reported waiting lists from weeks to months; 80 percent say they struggle to recruit and retain staff; 70 percent say demand for services has increased; and 60 percent report operating at a deficit or within the margins.
“Nonprofit funding remains 30 percent behind where it was in 2007.
“The proposed budget comes at a time when federal funding is threatened, federal tariffs will likely increase costs, and the health of the economy is threatened. Regardless of what comes from Washington, the need for community-based services will only increase, while the availability of services shrinks. People will lose access to drug treatment, mental health services, programs for people with disabilities, homeless shelters and more.
“We urge leaders and the Governor to agree to a final budget that truly protects the people who need the services of nonprofits, who could lose the most if federal funding is also cut.”
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