A message from Assistant Commissioner Elizabeth Shea
Hello Division Constituents and Community Partners,
As many of you know, Governor Christie presented his FY'18 Budget Address yesterday. Division stakeholders should note that, although the budget book is not yet released, Governor Christie has once again demonstrated this administration's commitment to enhancing opportunities for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities to live, work, and participate fully in their communities.
Highlights of the governor's budget address are below. Please remember that the FY'18 budget is proposed, and must proceed through the full legislative process before it becomes finalized.
Division of Developmental Disabilities - Proposed FY'18 Budget
In FY'18 community spending is proposed to increase by $89.7 million, broken down as follows:
- $10 million to fund community-based services for individuals currently on the Community Care Waiver Waiting List
- $8.6 million to fund community-based residential placements for 54 individuals currently living in one of the Division's five developmental centers, consistent with the U.S. Supreme Court's Olmstead decision
- $1 million to fund 125 new housing vouchers
- $46.2 million to fund service expansion for new and existing Supports Program participants
- $23.9 million to fund general Division growth (e.g., young adults turning 21 and aging out of special education services, emergencies, self-direction, annualized cost from prior year placements, etc.), .), in addition to funds available from prior-year CCW recoveries.
Over the coming weeks and months, I encourage you to follow the budget proceedings and stay informed about the progress being made toward a finalized FY'18 State budget.
Thank you.
Liz Shea
Elizabeth M. Shea
Assistant Commissioner
New Jersey Department of Human Services
Division of Developmental Disabilities