"The Virtual Center for Independent Living for West Virginia"

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Independent Living Funding - Talking Points / Sample Letter

Here are some things you can talk about when you write or call your legislator about restoring the funding for Independent Living Services:

• The fiscal year 2004 budget has a line item in the WV Division of Rehabilitation Services budget for Independent Living Services with $24,000 appropriated in it.
• The Governor's fiscal year 2005 budget eliminates the Independent Living Services line item and has no funding in it.
• Without this funding, people with disabilities won't be able to get home modifications such as ramps, grab bars in their bathrooms, etc.
• Without this funding, the Centers for Independent Living won't be able to provide services to people with disabilities like Independent Living Skills Training which teaches them how to do things like cooking, cleaning, laundry, money management, and other skills you need to live independently.
• Without this funding, people with disabilities would not be able to live and participate in their own communities and be included in society.
• These services help me stay in my own home and help the State comply with Olmstead.

And MOST importantly:

• Tell how the Center for Independent Living and its services has helped You.

Sample Letter Format

The Honorable Walt Helmick, Chairman
Senate Committee on Finance
Room 465 M, Building 1
State Capitol Complex
Charleston, WV 25305

and

The Honorable Harold Michael, Chairman
House Committee on Finance
Room 462 M, Building 1
State Capitol Complex
Charleston, WV 25305

Dear Senator Helmick and Delegate Michael:

My name is (insert your name) and I have (insert your disability) and I live in (insert town you live in), West Virginia. I have heard that funding for Independent Living Services has been cut out of the WV Division of Rehabilitation Services budget. I am worried about this because without this funding, the independent living services I (receive or need) will not be available to me.

(Tell your personal story here and how the Center for Independent Living has helped you or could help you if the funding is continued.)

Please put the Independent Living Services funding of $24,000 back in the WV Division of Rehabilitation Services budget.

Sincerely,
(your name)
(your address)

cc: Members of the Senate Committee on Finance
Members of the House Committee on Finance

Information

For more information, contact the WV Statewide Independent Living Council at 304-766-4624.

Pursuant to the WV Independent Living Act of 2001, independent living services funding is governed by the State Plan for Independent Living and is monitored by the WV Statewide Independent Living Council.

Updated: February 22, 2004