06/24/2025
PEEPS ALERT!
CALLING ALL PEEPS WHO ARE DISABLED AND OR CHRONICALLY ILL, AND THOSE CARETAKERS WHO HAVE OR STILL DO TAKE CARE OF THEM!
CALLING ALL HOLYOKE COMMUNITY ALLIES WHO SUPPORT DISABLED LOVED ONES, NEIGHBORS, RESIDENTS, CO-WORKERS!
PUT TUESDAY, JUNE 24 AT 6:30 (HOLYOKE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS)-FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING ON YOUR CALENDARS TO COME OUT AND SPEAK IN SUPPORT OF HOLYOKE COMMISSION ON DISABILITY TO BE APPROVED FOR 22G FUNDS ACCOUNT. VIRTUAL ACCESS WILL BE PROVIDED.
The Holyoke Commission on Disability is requesting the support of our City Council to access the funds that have been collected through fines from HP parking violations to be used to help our disabled residents and their caretakers of all ages.
This is supported by Massachusetts law MGL Chapter 40 Section 22G, and the Massachusetts Office on Disability. THE CITY OF HOLYOKE HAS BEEN COLLECTING THESE FINES FOR DECADES BUT TO OUR KNOWLEDGE AND INVESTIGATION THEY HAVE NEVER BEEN USED TO SPECIFICALLY HELP HOLYOKE RESIDENTS WHO ARE DISABLED.
The Holyoke COD is trying to change that. We are not trying to access funds retroactively, we are beginning now.
We can’t solve all the problems we and you face but we can address some. 1. We will be using the funds for education of ourselves and others initially by conducting a survey in Holyoke of what the current needs of our disabled residents are, to share resources for them, get translation into Spanish, ASL (American Sign Language), other forms of communication that address the diversity of disability. 2.We will also be using these funds to contribute towards accessible transportation for disabled residents of all ages to get to their medical treatments and appointments like dialysis. 3. Contribution towards educational needs for students who are disabled through tools and services. Like assistive devices for laptops, etc. Services like helping assistants and aids in classrooms so disabled students can learn, participate in the classroom with dignity. 4. Accessible playgrounds and city buildings.
We know that disabled residents are and have been in dire need for the services and tools that help us stay living independently in our community, and statistically and morally that it is better for our community, for our health and our quality of life.
WE ALSO KNOW THAT THE MASSIVE CUTS TO MEDICAID, NEGATIVE IMPACT ON MEDICARE, REDUCTION OF SOCIAL SECURITY, AND PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICES, AND EVEN EDUCATION PUTS US ALL IN SERIOUS DANGER ALREADY. Tariffs are already increasing prices on pharmaceuticals and durable medical equipment like power wheelchairs whose electronic components come from China. This is NOT partisan, these are just facts.
So, we have worked with Mayor Garcia, the first Mayor to really support disabled residents, in first creating two budget line items for residents who are disabled in his city budget starting with the fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-July 2026). We’re doing this first because we know the process for getting approval from our City Council for an ongoing revolving 22G Funds Account will take much longer.
That account will give us much more autonomy in deciding how it will be spent with state guidelines that best benefit the very people the HP parking law was intended to protect.
Come tell your stories of disability and/or caretaking, the obstacles you face, your desire to live independently and safely. Be respectful but direct. Ask the Finance Committee to send this to the Full City Council for approval so all City Councilors may learn of and support their disabled residents and families.
You can also submit letters of support to Finance Committee Councilors Devine (At Large) who supports us, Givner (Ward 4), Jourdain (At Large), Ocasio (Ward 2), Sullivan (At Large). Also, to Councilor Jenny Rivera (Ward1) who brought the order forth and who we thank. But please do it quickly.
Any questions, FB message me. Thank you! See info for virtual below in comments.
