Developmental Centers in New Jersey are care facilities for profound mentally retarded residents living in the state. These wonderful facilities provide health care, dental, social services, physical, psychological, psychiatric, dietary, plus many more therapies as needed, & do so on site-staffed by physicians, dentists, psychologists, social workers, & professionals in all departments represented. There are no other facilities in communities that can provide the comprehensive level of care that is offered by these centers.

Governor Chris Christie chose a task force to decide the order in which the Developmental Centers will be closed. From examining the economic figures he released to the media regarding the monetary cost to operate these facilities, it is blatantly obvious that his plans to close them is based on economics, not the welfare of some of the state’s most vulnerable residents.

Thousands of lives will be negatively affected & shortened. This action
of injustice is inhumane, & should not be acceptable to anyone whose heart and soul is guided by the most fundamental elements of humanity.

I am signing this petition, which summarizes my position:

• I actively support keeping New Jersey’s developmental centers open.

• In all matters regarding their loved ones, the family or guardian should be the    primary decision maker.

• I oppose any action to reduce funding for developmental centers. 

• Even in these most difficult economic times, we should not permit any reduction in the services the State provides to the most vulnerable of our citizens.

New Jersey should never adopt a policy that does not adequately provide for the care of its handicapped citizens! Thus, reducing funding for, or closing any of the seven Developmental Centers that provide essential services for the mentally retarded should be unacceptable to any legislator who has the best interests of its citizens – especially its most vulnerable citizens – in mind.