Nearly 18,000 people statewide in Pennsylvania are waiting for community-based mental retardation services. Of those waiting, over 3,000 are considered to have emergency needs, meaning that they will have to move to a state institution if they can not gain access to the services.

Gov. Ed Rendell proposed an increase in the community metal retardation waiver program services. The program provides services such as home and vehicle accessibility adaptions, educational support, transportation, and nursing. According to the Department of Public Welfare, this program helps about 24,500 people.

Lawmakers and advocates feel that the increase in the budget was not enough to help even more people because the increase in the budget will only help another 150 people. The program is mostly federally funded but received $623 miliion in state money this year.

If you or a loved one has not been receiving the disability check that he or she is owed. Contact the Pennsylvania long-term disability lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. by calling 610-667-7511.