MEDIA CONTACT (Additional Contacts Below)
Kelley Kellis
President & CEO
Disability Network Southwest Michigan
269.345.1516 x123
kellisk@dnswm.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 28, 2025
HOLLAND, GRAND RAPIDS, KALAMAZOO, MUSKEGON, MI — The Michigan House of Representatives recently passed a state budget that slashes funding for Centers for Independent Living (CILs), cutting the statewide allocation from $19.7 million to just $11 million. This devastating reduction comes at a time when federal Medicaid cuts are already threatening critical services for people with disabilities.
Local CILs — Disability Advocates of Kent County, Disability Network Lakeshore, Disability Network Southwest Michigan, and Disability Network West Michigan — are calling on the Michigan Senate and Governor Whitmer to reject the House’s version of the budget and for the House to reconsider this fiscally imprudent budget cut by restoring full funding of $19.7 million for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026, which begins on October 1, 2025.
“CILs are one of the smartest investments the state can make,” said Will Wilson, Executive Director of Disability Network West Michigan. “We empower people to live independently, stay out of costly institutions, and engage fully in their communities — all at a fraction of the cost to Medicaid and other long-term care options.”
What’s at Stake Locally
Together, our organizations serve thousands of Michiganders with disabilities every year — a number that continues to grow. This dramatic cut would directly result in:
- Fewer home modifications like ramps, grab bars, and door widenings that keep people safe and independent in their own homes.
- More people forced into nursing homes or institutions due to lack of community-based supports.
- Lost employment opportunities and peer support that help people with disabilities enter or remain in the workforce.
- Layoffs and reduced services at local CILs — impacting both people with disabilities and the professionals (many with disabilities themselves) who provide these services.
“The fiscally conservative thing to do is to fund CILs,” said Amanda Rhines-Poehlman, Executive Director of Disability Network Lakeshore. “We reduce Medicaid costs at a time when Michigan will need to find ways to manage its Medicaid budget under federal cuts. Slashing our funding will not help the state balance its budget — it will make the problem worse.”
The proposed cuts would force all 15 CILs across Michigan — including the four in West Michigan — to eliminate or reduce essential programs that thousands rely on to live independently.
“Funding levels have not been this low since before 2017,” said Kelley Kellis, President & CEO of Disability Network Southwest Michigan. “Combined with other cuts to disability programs, this blow could set people back a decade or more.”
Additionally, more than 51% of CIL staff statewide are people with disabilities — meaning these cuts would not only harm those served but also eliminate jobs for people with disabilities in communities across Michigan.
CILs Save the State Money
Every dollar invested in CILs saves the state money. Nursing home care costs Medicaid an average of $6,200 per month, or $74,000 per year, per person. CILs prevent unnecessary institutionalization and also help individuals transition out of nursing facilities and back into the community — providing services that are more cost-effective and aligned with individual rights and preferences.
“At a time when the state is grappling with how to control Medicaid costs, cutting CIL funding is not just shortsighted — it’s fiscally irresponsible,” said Dave Bulkowski, Executive Director of Disability Advocates of Kent County. “Our evidence-based work keeps people out of nursing homes, in their homes, and contributing to their communities. That’s the future Michigan should be funding.”
Call to Action
We urge the Michigan Senate, House, and Governor Whitmer to stand with people with disabilities, honor the original proposed funding, and restore the full $19.7 million for Michigan’s Centers for Independent Living.
“This isn’t about politics — it’s about people,” Bulkowski added. “The House’s cut would dismantle supports that save money, foster independence, and strengthen communities across West Michigan and the state.”
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About Centers for Independent Living
Centers for Independent Living are consumer-controlled, community-based, cross-disability, nonresidential nonprofit agencies designed and operated by individuals with disabilities. They provide an array of independent living services tailored to meet local needs. There are currently 15 Centers for Independent Living across Michigan, ensuring that residents in every county have access to vital services. To learn more, visit www.dnmichigan.org.
Disability Advocates of Kent County, Disability Network Lakeshore, Disability Network Southwest Michigan, and Disability Network West Michigan collectively serve people with disabilities in the following counties: Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Ionia, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, Ottawa, St. Joseph, and Van Buren.
ADDITIONAL MEDIA CONTACTS
Dave Bulkowski
Executive Director
Disability Advocates of Kent County
616.560.2293
Dave.B@dakc.us
Amanda Rhines-Poehlman
Executive Director
Disability Network Lakeshore
616.396.5326 x108
amanda@dnlakeshore.org
Will Wilson
President & CEO
Disability Network West Michigan
231.722.0088
willw@disabilitynetworkwm.org