Service provider for disabled children grapples with funding cuts

Sessions on how to handle state budget cuts are mixed into the conference agenda for a large provider of services for children with developmental disabilities.

The Arc of Minnesota holds its annual conference starting Friday in Plymouth.

The St. Paul-based group and its local affiliates provide services to families of children with developmental disabilities.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty sliced into state spending on services for the disabled as he balanced the budget without legislative approval earlier this year. The cuts included county aid for the developmentally disabled and personal care attendants who provide basic care.

Other topics on Arc's conference agenda include schools, caregiving and the proposed federal health overhaul.