The most recent budget cuts announced by Gov. Dannel Malloy and the Office of Policy and Management hit some of the state's most vulnerable residents.
More than $7 million out of about $100 million in cuts hit the Department of Developmental Services.
Dawn DeMatteo has a son, Anthony, who's been on a waiting list to get into an adult home for 24 hour care. He has cerebral palsy.
"I don't know if he'll ever get in now" she said.
His needs are very basic which is why a home health aide comes to their home in the afternoon.
“He’s non-vocal. He needs help with all aspects of daily living, diaper changing to feeding but again he’s got unconditional love and he really is a sweetheart.”
DeMatteo cares for her son in the mornings and evenings. During the day he attends an adult day program, which statewide saw nearly $2 million in cuts.
She says the cuts announced by the governor are the kind that could prevent her son from ever being able to live as much on his own as possible which would be a benefit for her whole family.
"My 14-year-old son also cares for Anthony," DeMatteo said. “It would be perfect for the entire family because Anthony would thrive being in his own environment. My 14-year-old and I could start to have a normal life because really my life and his life revolve around Anthony.”
Gov. Malloy said the reason for the budget cuts so early in the fiscal year and so soon after a budget was passed in June is because of sluggish returns from Wall Street investments. He also wouldn't rule out another round of cuts before the end of the budget year.
DeMatteo says her son Anthony is the face of what cuts mean to families.
