Last week, the Community Living Education Project shared the challenging news that our funding is slated to be cut in the NJ Governor's Proposed FY26 Budget. After 33 years of service to New Jersey residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities, this has been incredibly difficult news to share with the individuals and families we serve, our colleagues, friends, and supporters.
We want you to know that we intend to advocate between now and June 30 to have our funding restored. Last Wednesday, Director Colleen McKay Wharton testified at the New Jersey Legislature Assembly Budget Committee to request that CLEP funding be reinstated to the Governor’s FY26 budget. Colleen spoke of how families depend upon the guidance and support of CLEP as they explore all options of community living with their loved ones with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
We also intend -- as long as we possibly can -- to continue serving the individuals and families who need us. Like so many in the disability community, our small but mighty team has been no stranger to adversity and challenges, and we remain hopeful that "where there's a will there's a way."
We encourage our supporters to contact your local legislator (map here) and ask them to restore funding for the Community Living Education Project in the Governor's Proposed FY26 Budget.
Lastly, thank you for the outpouring of support we've received. It has been an honor and privilege to work with so many inspiring people over the past 33 years. We made a short video featuring a few or these inspiring people and encourage you to view it >>HERE.
Has CLEP also made an impact on you, a family member, or a client? We'd love to hear more. We're collecting stories from colleagues and current/former clients to share publicly in future videos and on social media. We will protect the identity of anyone who wants to remain anonymous. Please contribute if you are able to >>HERE.
Medicaid is the lifeline that provides people with disabilities the ability to choose where to live and who will support them, in addition to providing health care to citizens with low income and disabilities. It is a joint federal and state program enacted in 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson as part of Social Security Amendments.
Cuts to Medicaid will affect everyone, regardless of your political affiliation. It is something that should unite all self-advocates, family members, service providers, friends, co-workers, and employers.
