MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE

Chip Riddleberger//Photo by Aubrey Hoffert

Dear Friends,

For many people with an intellectual or developmental disability, springtime brings about a significant change: budget season. Each year, each state presents its unique challenges, like the need for increased funding to navigate programs offered for the IDD population KenCrest serves more effectively.

This year, Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro recently released his recommended budget, which includes a 12 percent increase in rates and $215 million in IDD funding with a $266 million federal budget drawdown. Governor Shapiro’s budget recommendation is a starting point for negotiations with the legislature that will be in play for the next few months.

While Delaware wants to add a few new faces to its General Assembly, including a governor’s race, the state will raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour in January 2025. KenCrest’s Delaware Executive Director, Brett Askins, and a few Direct Support Professionals are fighting to increase wages for DSPs because of their vital, highly skilled workforce. In Connecticut this year, Governor Lamont did not recommend increasing nonprofit funding, something many nonprofit leaders are fighting against.

KenCrest actively advocates for policy issues affecting children, families, and individuals with IDD by raising awareness on important topics and educating legislators, stakeholders, and community members.

In this edition of KenCrest’s Magazine, Possibilities, you’ll discover the importance of advocating for someone with an intellectual or developmental disability who can’t use their voice to be heard, both young and old. Plus, learn how KenCrest supports and advocates for little learners to thrive, including our Raising a Reader program and a partnership with Operation 143 that brings healthy meals to those in need outside the school week. And so much more!

As you read through the stories in this issue, I hope you will spring into action with us and help advocate for our KenCrest community, young and old, throughout Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Connecticut. I hope this new season will bring greater possibilities for us all.

Sincerely,Chip Riddleberger, Director of Government Relations & Advocacy