I am fully aware of the difficulties of autism. I have been a case manager and worked in social services for over 10 years. There are older college students who are mature enough to handle the training needed to be a good caregiver. Look in nursing departments, lots of big strong men are in that field. Talk with a non profit agency service provider who has to train folks and see if there is a way a group of you parents could offer a training in service program for persons who would be good respite workers. I know it's frustrating and frightening but I am just throwing out ideas that might be useful.
If you can afford it then why can't you hire any of the workers who may lose their jobs with the budget cuts? There ARE people out there who can help even if it's not exactly what you are receiving now, any relief is better than none.
Are any of the other parents financially able to afford hiring private help too? What if you all formed your own "agency" where you served as a central point of service.
I guess what I am saying is you know what is needed, the other parents know what works and what doesn't, make a list of those requirements and advocate for your family members with autism.
Sorry for the ramble. Just some ideas that's all.