Commissioners Take Action on Budget Cuts, But the Fight Isn’t Over

At last Thursday’s Miami-Dade County budget hearing, commissioners voted—nearly unanimously—to instruct the Mayor to identify resources to restore funding for Community-Based Organizations (CBOs). This came after more than 200 residents, including individuals with disabilities, families, and service providers, spoke for hours urging the commission to protect critical services.

While this step shows that community voices are being heard, the reality is that the current proposal would only restore about 70% of the original funding. For our Advocacy Network on Disabilities, that’s not enough. Full restoration is necessary to ensure that people with disabilities continue to receive in-home care and guidance from our Success Coaches—services that prevent families from having to choose between leaving a job to provide care or placing a loved one in a nursing home.

“The advocacy is working,” said our CEO, who stayed at the hearing from 5:00 p.m. until 3:30 a.m. “But the funding on the table still falls short. Families in our community deserve stability, not uncertainty about whether these essential supports will remain.”

The stakes remain high. The original proposed budget would have eliminated nearly $16 million in CBO funding. For our organization, that meant a cut of $127,000—resources that directly support individuals with disabilities in Miami-Dade.

Community members were also vocal in opposing fare increases for Special Transportation Services (STS), with at least one commissioner pledging not to support a budget that raises costs for riders.

The final budget hearing is scheduled for September 18th. That’s when we will know whether commissioners stand firm in restoring the full amount. Until then, we will continue advocating—because 70% is not enough when people’s independence, dignity, and quality of life are on the line.