The legislative committee responsible for drafting the state budget today approved a modest increase in funding for nonprofit agencies that provide services to disabled Delawareans.

Joint Finance Committee members unanimously supported giving the 5,000-plus providers statewide a 2% reimbursement bump, amounting to $4.1 million next year.

However, an advocacy group that represents those companies was hoping for more cash from the Department of Health and Social Services budget.

Members of the Delaware Association of Rehabilitation Facilities packed the JFC meeting room wearing buttons that read "8 Years" - the last time most of the companies they work for saw a state funding raise.

The group was pushing for $16 million in additional payback funds, which they said represents half of what inflation has been since 2003.

Connie C. Hughes, DelARF executive director, said the 2% increase JFC approved may not even apply to all of the various nonprofits that provide services to the disabled, including things like transportation and in-home care.