Parents plead for taxes to pay for their children's services
6 years 10 months 3 weeks ago Wednesday, March 02 2016 Mar 2, 2016 March 02, 2016 2:11 PM March 02, 2016 in News
By: Melinda Deslatte
BATON ROUGE - Senators weighing deep cuts to state services were wiping away tears as parents pleaded for them to pass tax hikes to protect programs that help them care for their children.
Health care services that serve thousands with developmental disabilities are threatened as lawmakers decide how to close a hefty budget shortfall.
Ashley McReynolds talked Wednesday about her 9-year-old son Cooper.
He has a genetic disorder that makes him feel like he's starving, along with other health troubles that require close monitoring. McReynolds said without help from the state, her family would struggle to be able to raise Cooper at home.
She urged the Senate Finance Committee to vote for tax increases in the ongoing special session, telling senators: "We need you to help to keep our families together."
Father of disabled child says he's fiscally conservative & doesnt like tax hikes, but urges lawmakers to avoid cuts pic.twitter.com/cjL1XlcKx3
— Mark Armstrong (@TV_MarkA) March 2, 2016
Sen. LaFleur tells parents of disabled children their yrs of testimony against cuts remind lawmakers what's at stake. #lalege