Programs for disabled see boost in NJ budget plan

TRENTON, N.J. — People who oversee services for the mentally and developmentally disabled are saying they generally support Gov. Chris Christie's $32.1 billion proposed budget. But at least three of those testifying before the Assembly Budget Committee on March 7 have asked for additional funds for housing for residents with special needs. Debra Wentz of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agency applauded the appropriation of about $35 million for new programs to serve the disabled. Thomas Baffuto of the ARC of New Jersey asked that service providers get a 3 percent increase in state aid to help cover costs. He says provider groups haven't seen an increase in four years. Early testimony at the first legislative hearing on the budget has focused on health care provisions.