ABC6 - Providence, RI and New Bedford, MA News, WeatherRI Assembly Urged to Restore $24M for the Disabled

RI Assembly Urged to Restore $24M for the Disabled

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - A coalition of disabled residents and their caregivers are asking Rhode Island lawmakers to reverse $24 million in budget cuts to programs serving those with developmental disabilities.

The Have a Heart Coalition says it will hold an event Tuesday at the Statehouse to urge lawmakers to restore the funds. The group says the budget cuts have led to caregiver layoffs and worse care for a vulnerable population.

More than 2,000 people protested the cuts at a rally at the Statehouse last fall. Lawmakers approved the cuts last year to eliminate a $331 million budget deficit.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)