Calif. Charities Sue State Over Spending Cuts

California charities that serve people with developmental disabilities last week sued the state, challenging the legality of a series of budget cuts for their services, writes The Fresno Bee.

The Arc of California and the United Cerebral Palsy Association of San Diego contend cuts in reimbursement for job training, daily living assistance, and other programs violate a state law guaranteeing the disabled sufficient support to live independently.

The lawsuit also claims the state must get federal approval for the cuts because Medicaid covers some of the services.

California froze reimbursement rates for providers in 2003 and cut them by 3 percent in 2009 and 4.25 percent in 2010.

Nancy Lundgren, a Department of Developmental Services spokeswoman, would not comment on the lawsuit but said that in light of the state’s budget shortfall, “difficult decisions are needed.” She added, “California is the only state in the nation with an entitlement to services for persons with developmental disabilities.”

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