Denise Wetzel of Coeur d'Alene, mother of a 10-year-old son with disabilities, said she's grateful that her son has been able to attend his local public school and receive developmental therapy that he needs. "I never give up ... on what he can accomplish and achieve," she said. "I want to see my son as a taxpaying citizen in the state of Idaho." But, she said, "He needs support from trained and professional providers." She said, "I'm not proud to say that last week, my son tried to bite his developmental therapist. I cringe to think what might have happened if he'd been with a volunteer."

Wetzel told lawmakers, "I encourage you to consider increasing revenue by implementing a sales tax over the next two years. ... No one should have to live a life of isolation due to a developmental disability."

Joni Sullivan of Dalton Gardens said her son with Down's syndrome receives services through TESH that enable him to hold a job. It's a menial task, cleaning the break room at the Sunshine Mint, but it's very important to him, she said. "We love him dearly. .. He deserves to be in our home and our community."

Dellarae Warner of Deary said her grown son, Kyle, was thriving with services in the community, but now the state has told him his services are being cut and he'll have to go to a state institution hundreds of miles from their home. "This is the wrong decision not only for Kyle but for taxpayers as well," Warner said.