Kevin Nye told lawmakers he has a daughter with disabilities. Services like those proposed to be cut, he said, are how disabled people "find dignity, being able to have self-worth" and live independently, rather than in institutions. "Sometimes we don't stand up for those things that we know to be wrong," Nye told the lawmakers. "We need to stand up, we need to say no - enough is enough."  

Bob Brannam, 69, whose wife is 66, spoke on behalf of their mentally and physically disabled 48-year-old son. His disabilities stem from a traffic accident at the age of six months, he said. "He lived with us until he was 43 years of age, at no cost to the state," Brannam told lawmakers. Then, because of his and his wife's age, they looked into other arrangements. The son now lives with others near his age, where he participates in chores, social activities and more with his roommates and caregivers. "His quality of life has improved," he said. The bill, though, "would destroy this - he would be forced to move out of his house," into a group home with fewer services. "He would lose the progress he's made," Brannam said. "He's a fine young man," and not "aged." Brannam said he's a Republican, but said, "We shouldn't let ideology prevent us from showing the necessary compassion in caring for our most vulnerable citizens."  

Crystal Andersen struggled to keep her composure, as she urged lawmakers not to cut services her disabled son now receives. "I just am pleading with you that you look into this bill very closely," she said. "I am a voice, and I elected you to represent me, and I am pleading with you to listen to me and to listen to all of us."

Taryn Ivie, who said her adopted daughter's intellectual ability will never exceed that of a 5- or 6-year-old, asked, "What will happen to my daughter when she reaches 45? We will be in our 70s. We will not be able to take care of her without help from some of the services that there are." She said, "I'm begging you to please look at this bill before you pass it through and the people it will affect, and down the road what it will cost all of our taxpayers."