Budget Cuts Reduce Disabled Transit

Budget cuts everywhere at the federal, state and municipal levels hurt everyone.  However, just like in nature, where predators seek out the weak, the young, or the elderly--the budget cuts go after the disabled, who are affected first, and most severely. 

EVLiving.com: Valley Transit Service Reductions Hit Disabled Hard

In Arizona, I don't expect the 75% unemployment rate for people with spinal cord injuries who can't drive will be decreasing any time soon. 

Going to work, getting an education, visiting friends and relatives and other activities could be severely cut for disabled valley residents when July transit services reductions go into effect.

Transit officials said the service cuts are necessary due to declining city sales tax revenue and a loss of state funding.

It's hot in Arizona in the summer...

Donna Powers, senior program coordinator with the Arizona Statewide Independent Living Council, said the reductions in bus and light rail service will greatly extend her daily work commute and aggravate a spinal cord injury that makes it dangerous for her to travel long distances outdoors.

“Part of the spinal cord injury is the inability to control internal body temperature,” she said. “When it’s over 100 degrees, it becomes a life-threatening event to have to travel a far distance.”