A bit of the flavor in Shawna BullerâÂÂs life is slipping from her grasp.

Budget adjustments ordered by the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services will reduce the amount of money Buller has to live on if she wants to remain eligible for a Medicaid program that helps the woman with developmental disabilities live in a group home.

Her income from a part-time job at Lawrence Public Library will be capped at $645 each month, a reduction of $70.

“I might not be going out to eat,” said Buller, who is fond of McDonaldâÂÂs. “IâÂÂm going to miss that money.”

Buller, 28, is a client of Community Living Opportunities, 2113 Del. CLO serves 223 adults and children with developmental disabilities in Douglas and Johnson counties. Its mission is to help clients live normal lives in their communities.

Stephanie Wilson, senior administrator with CLO, said the organization faced a $100,000 to $125,000 cut in funding ordered by SRS after Gov. Bill Gravesâ decision to slash state spending. CLOâÂÂs annual budget is about $13 million.

Training and counseling services may be curtailed by February or March, Wilson said, and the reduction of income limits under the Medicaid program will hit in January.

Wilson estimated a dozen clients would have to grapple with a $70 per month reduction in income; 20 other clients will be subjected to income limits for the first time.

“YouâÂÂre taking poor people and making them more poor,” she said.

Buller, who has worked at the public library for five years, said loss of $70 each month could jeopardize her means to live in a duplex with two roommates.

She used to live at the state hospital in Parsons, and doesnâÂÂt want to return. “I think this is better,” Buller said. “I donâÂÂt have anywhere else to move to.”