Residents With Disabilities Sue Mark Sanford, Lawmakers

Columbia, SC (AP, WLTX) -- Advocates for disabled South Carolina residents have sued Governor Mark Sanford and lawmakers, saying they slashed services after illegally sending federal stimulus money to a state savings account.

The lawsuit asks the state Supreme Court to order more than $30 million be returned to the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs to restore services that help people with disabilities live at home.

George and Marge Saho have a disabled son they adopted 36 year ago. "Randy, he's a quadriplegic, cerebral palsy, bipolar and autistic. He can't do anything for himself,"says Saho.

Marge Saho says he's been a joy to them, but they need help. Even more now after learning that Medicaid plans to cut Randy's in-home care from 38 hours to 28 hours a week starting Friday.

Tonia Pelletier has been Randy's care provider for three years. She says reducing care could be devastating for those with special needs.

"The main thing is to maintain these people in their homes. This is where they need to be. This is where they're going to get their love and the appropriate care,"says Pelletier.

Attorney Patricia Harrison says residents will be forced into more costly institutions. The lawsuit was filed for nine adults with a range of disabilities.

A Sanford spokesman says the lawsuit will be reviewed. Agency spokeswoman, Lois Park Mole told The Greenville News no one could comment because Monday was a state holiday.

Agency commissioner Richard Huntress says he encouraged families to ask for the money.