Desert Arc wants disabled clients to get a raise from the state

An organization that helps developmentally disabled people find jobs in the Coachella Valley is looking for help from the state capital.

One of the things Desert Arc does is help people with developmental disabilities find jobs.

According to representatives with the Desert Arc the subsidized money they are getting from the state isn’t enough, because legislators haven’t changed the amounts clients receive since 2006.

“I think what is going to happen is you are going to see services close, they are already closing some organizations in Northern California. I don’t think we are there yet we are in better shape than some others are just going to reduce services,” said Richard Balocco, CEO of Desert Arc.

According to Balocco the state hasn’t made any changes to how much money gets put into the paychecks for Desert Arc clients since 2006.

Over that time wages have gone up, but the money from the state has not, making it harder for organizations like Desert Arc to find jobs for these people.

“We saw a number of increases when the state got healthier, and now there is a surplus of $3 billion but people with developmental disabilities have not been able to get increases for reimbursement rates for the services provided to them,” said Balocco.

According Balocco if they don’t get the necessary adjustments to how much money their clients receive from the state, Desert Arc will have to start laying-off employees starting with management.

The Lanterman Coalition of developmental disability groups is hosting a rally in Sacramento on December 10th. All the information for the rally can be found here.