Medford residents hope those with developmental disabilities are included in the state’s budget

How do you correct Oregon’s massive budget shortfall, while not closing the door to Oregonians who really need services?

Back in December, Governor Kate Brown put out a proposal for possible budget cuts and tax increases.

As NBC5 reported Wednesday, an influx of taxes could help Oregon’s budget shortfall drop slightly from $1.8 billion to $1.6 billion.

So the state needs to do something to fill the gap.

Southern Oregonians voiced their opinions tonight on how to manage the budget with Oregon’s Joint Ways and Means Committee tonight..

The fifth town hall meeting for the committee was packed with people Friday night.

Topics ranged from cuts that have been made to Oregon State Police, money toward education and support for those with developmental disabilities.

“People with developmental disabilities can’t just go out there and get jobs,” Medford resident Brent Otto said.

Otto says he went to the Joint Ways and Means Committee meeting in support of those with developmental disabilities and veterans like him.

“I’ve got a brain injury because of it. That’s the sacrifice I made for my country,” Otto said.

And now, he says he wants to see the state put some of its budget toward those that really need help.

“These people are intellectually disabled and physically disabled like my friend of mine, Adrianna, who was born without arms and legs,” Otto said.

Otto is a volunteer care giver for Adrianna who has scoliosis.

Adrianna says she doesn’t meet the developmentally disabled qualifications because her IQ is too high.

She qualifies physically, but she says there are no services out there for her.

That’s where Otto’s help comes in.

“I’m her arms and legs so I have to do everything. Brush her teeth, comb her hair…” Otto said.

After tonight, they hope their voices have been heard.

“It’s about supporting the people who actually do the work and are getting underpaid,” Otto said.

State legislators will have two more town hall meetings around Oregon.

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