Budget Shortfall Could Shut Down Program for Disabled

Governor Phil Bredesen’s proposed budget could reduce state funding for the Family Support program designed to help people with disabilities.  The state cut the programs funding by roughly 12 percent in January of this year, and the Governor’s budget would add an additional four percent to that number. 

Tennessee will rely on Federal stimulus dollars to keep the program running in the coming fiscal year.  But, the stimulus money is non-reccuring.  That means it will not be there to supplement the program the following year. 

As it stands now, Tennessee will provide just 200,000 dollars to the program for the following fiscal year.  Advocates said that number is not nearly enough to keep the program running.

Currently, 220 families receive services from the Family Support program in our area.  An additional 350 families sit on a waiting list to receive services. 

For a full video report on how the cuts could hurt area families, click play above.