Press Alert - Visual Event at State Capitol

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., Jan. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --

What: 5,000 shoes crowding the capitol…symbolizing Missouri's most vulnerable citizens

When:  11 a.m. Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Where:  Missouri State Capitol rotunda

Why:  Nearly 5,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities are on a waiting list for critical services in the Show-Me-State  

Who: Prominent lawmakers and "real people"

The display is part of a two-day event (January 12 and 13) starting at 11 a.m. on Wednesday.  Family members, from all over Missouri, will publicly share their critical need for state assistance.  Key lawmakers will be on hand, to receive a letter (which can be found at http://www.arcofmissouri.org/sign-letter-arc-of-missouri-2.asp) as well as to share their thoughts on the future of the waitlist.

Lawmakers scheduled to attend:  Lt. Governor Peter Kinder, Senate President pro tem Rob Mayer (Dexter), Speaker-elect Steve Tilley (Perry), Senator Scott Rupp (St. Charles), Representative Mike Talboy (Kansas City), and Senator Eric Schmitt (St. Louis).

During hard economic times, with revenue shortfalls projected and budget cuts anticipated, meeting the needs of un-served Missourians with disabilities is especially challenging.  The challenge is not without hope though.

The governor's Partnership for Hope initiative enables participating county governments to augment state funds in matching federal dollars.  Through the program, Missouri's Division of Developmental Disabilities can serve people for 18 cents on the dollar.  Other states have passed legislation specifically targeting their waiting lists for developmental disability services.  At least ten other states have closed expensive, state-operated institutions and shifted resources to less expensive, more dignified, community-based support alternatives.

SOURCE The Arc of Missouri