Dozens of people worried about the impact of proposed cuts in the state budget turned out for a hearing at the Statehouse, telling lawmakers that the cuts would have a dramatic indirect effect on people and agencies all over the state.
The Legislature’s Joint Fiscal Committee heard testimony yesterday from advocates for the disabled who are worried that budget cuts will reduce the amount of funding their groups receive.
Among them was 42-year-old Todd Washburne, of Montpelier, who suffers from autism and needed the assistance of a computer to voice his support for Washington County Mental Health Services Inc., which gets state funding that could be in jeopardy.
Margaret Joyal, director of outpatient services for Washington County Mental Health, warned the panel that state funding cuts to her agency would have a ripple effect, reducing psychiatric services to many.
The committee is expected to vote on the cuts Friday.