Article Summary –
The article discusses the Special Olympics Pennsylvania bocce ball tournament, highlighting Governor Shapiro’s efforts to support people with disabilities through increased state funding amidst the broader backdrop of significant Medicaid cuts proposed by Republican lawmakers and the Trump administration, which threaten critical services for disabled individuals. Despite federal cuts, Shapiro has allocated substantial funds in the state’s budget to raise wages for direct care workers and reduce the waiting list for disability services, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to the disability community. In contrast, the article highlights the negative rhetoric and policy actions from Donald Trump and his administration, including Medicaid cuts and derogatory comments about disabled individuals, which have raised concerns and fears among disability advocates in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania athletes with disabilities and disability rights advocates have gathered for the past three years at the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg for the Special Olympics Pennsylvania bocce ball tournament.
Every summer, they have celebrated the athletes and the state’s commitment to enhancing the lives of Pennsylvanians with disabilities. This year’s tournament on July 16, however, took place amid a significantly different political climate.
Governor Shapiro highlighted his administration’s efforts in supporting Pennsylvanians with disabilities as President Trump and Republican lawmakers have reduced federal funding crucial for these programs.
“For years, the ID/A [intellectual disabilities/autism] community and their families have been calling for real help and an administration committed to them — and we heard them,” Shapiro stated. “We’re raising wages to attract essential workers and reducing the waiting list so more can live with dignity and independence.”
Since becoming governor in 2023, Shapiro has increased state funding for disability support programs. The 2024-25 budget secured $354.8 million in new funding, including $280 million for home care provider rates and $74.8 million to remove 1,500 people with disabilities from the emergency waitlist for various services.
The proposed 2025-26 budget, passed by the House but pending in the Senate, includes $21 million for wage increases and health insurance access for 8,500 direct care workers. An additional $5 million is proposed to aid people with disabilities in finding employment.
These investments coincide with most Republicans in Congress approving a bill to cut about $1 trillion from Medicaid, affecting three million Pennsylvanians, including 750,000 with disabilities.
U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick was the only Republican from Pennsylvania to oppose the bill, while all Democratic lawmakers voted against it.
Pennsylvanians with disabilities expressed fear over the Medicaid cuts, with concerns that vital services may be lost, impacting their ability to live independently at home.
Jennifer Garman, CEO of Disability Rights Pennsylvania, stated that federal cuts could hinder access to essential services, adding strain on the commonwealth.
In addition to financial cuts, the Trump administration has shown disdain for people with disabilities, and removed ADA guidance, calling it “unnecessary and outdated.”
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy’s inaccurate remarks about autism faced criticism, with experts like David Mandell denouncing them as dangerous.
During his campaigns, Trump mocked a disabled reporter and referred to the President and Vice President as “mentally disabled.”
In contrast, Shapiro emphasized celebrating the athletes and building a supportive community at the bocce tournament, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to enabling Pennsylvanians with disabilities to live fulfilling lives.
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