My daughter Daniela was never supposed to live independently. Diagnosed with intellectual disabilities at an early age, we were told Daniela’s life would require either living at home with us or in an institution. But thanks to Wisconsin's long term care plan, one of the best in the country, she lives a fulfilling life just like anyone else. Daniela now lives out in the community, is interviewing for jobs, and has an active social life. That could all come to an end if Gov. Walker has his way.

We are calling on Gov. Walker to drop his plan to either eliminate or privatize the programs that make up Wisconsin's long term care plan. Daniela is just one of over 50,000 people whose way of life could end if we don’t take a stand.

Wisconsin has been a model for the country in helping people with disabilities and seniors to live a happy, integrated life. This is why it came as a shock when Gov. Walkers 2017 budget proposal upended the long term care program. None of the organizations involved in running the plan were informed of Gov. Walker’s proposal. Not even the state’s Director of Health Services was informed or consulted.

Why eliminate a long term care plan that is effective, has lowered costs, and bettered the lives of so many people? It is a question many scared families across Wisconsin are asking Gov. Walker. So far they are not getting any answers.

The facts are clear. The current long term plan for seniors and people like my daughter is working. The plan was designed to assist Wisconsin's elderly and/or disabled population to live their best lives, not in institutions, but in the community. It was years in the making, locally run by nonprofits and has the beneficiaries best interests at the forefront. Gov. Walker’s plan has none of this and would hand over the care of our loved ones to private companies who have profits as their primary goal.

Daniela was devastated when I told her that things might change if this plan goes through. When I saw her face and thought about far she had come, I knew I had to do something. I started this petition to stand up for not just my daughter, but for all our seniors and people with disabilities. They need us to speak out. It could save their way of life.

Please call on Gov. Scott Walker to drop his plan to either eliminate or privatize the programs that make up Wisconsin's long term care plan.