Colorado Gov. Ritter Restores Funding For Needy, Disabled

Oct. 16, 2009 -- Colorado Governor Bill Ritter announced today the restoration of funding for the Aid to the Needy Disabled (AND) Program, which provides a monthly stipend of some $200 for food, housing and other essential services to about 6,500 of Colorado's most vulnerable residents.

To help close a $320 million budget shortfall in current FY09-10, the AND Program was slated to be suspended effective Jan. 1, 2010, for a $7.2 million savings.

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"Over the past year, working together with the legislature, we've closed recession-caused budget shortfalls of nearly $2 billion," Gov. Ritter said. "We've taken great care and been guided by compassion in making surgical reductions to avoid pain where possible and preserve the safety net for those who depend on government services.

"I've been concerned from the beginning about the impact of suspending the AND Program on those who rely on it as a lifeline. I have listened to the concerns expressed by AND recipients and those who work with them all across Colorado, and today I have directed my budget office to re-balance the budget without suspending this program."

The Department of Human Services, which administers the AND Program with counties throughout Colorado, will be evaluating the program to make it more efficient, effective and accountable.

Source: Colorado Governor