Dear Mary:

Thank you for your recent letter. I am sincerely grieved by the tragic news of the accidental death of your son, Matthew, and extend to you my deepest sympathy.

I believe our state must do a better job of supporting families and individuals with developmental disabilities. That is why in my budget recommendations to the Legislature for 1997-98, I have asked for an additional $7.65 million to expand community-based services for people with developmental disabilities and their families. This request will provide for additional community-based residential services to over 200 individuals.

I have placed a high priority on services to children with disabilities and will continue to advocate on their behalf. Parents who wish to keep their children at home should have the supports and services required to avoid needless institutionalization in much more expensive settings. I am sure Matthew benefited from living at home by receiving the love and compassion only his family could provide.

Please accept my heartfelt condolences on your loss. I believe we can make progress this year in obtaining necessary funding to support individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. I look forward to the support of parents like you to help me in this endeavor. God bless you.

With kind regards, I am

LC/hfm