It is time, if you have not already done so, to write to your legislators in Annapolis asking them to restore the DDA budget cuts in the proposed FY26 budget.  Time is of the essence, so we ask you to act ASAP! Please be sure to share this alert with your network, and to ask everyone to focus on the General Assembly, which is the body that has the power to restore this funding. Governor Moore’s budget, as introduced, made $457 million in “cost containment” measures, and now it is up to the Maryland General Assembly to review the budget and decide whether or not to restore the funding. 

Action Alert: Urge Your Legislators to Restore Funding for Developmental Disability Services!

Marylanders with disabilities, community providers, and families: It’s time to act! Governor Moore’s proposed budget cuts threaten essential services for people with developmental disabilities. We cannot allow Marylanders with disabilities to pay the price for these cuts. We must protect DDA services and uphold civil rights!

Overview of Proposed Cuts

Governor Moore’s FY 26 budget includes significant cuts that will negatively impact people with developmental disabilities and community providers. The total fiscal cut for FY 26 is projected to be $457 million, representing a 22% overall cut to DD community supports.

Key Proposed Cuts Include:

1. Cut to residential funding: This budget cut reduces funding for residential supports in homes where people need “dedicated hours” (e.g., 1:1 staffing).  
2. Cut in funding to five counties: Eliminates the higher rates in Montgomery, Prince George’s, Calvert, Charles and Frederick Counties, reducing provider capacity and significantly lowering funding in those areas.
3. Suspension of the Low Intensity Support Services (LISS) Program: Cuts all funding for small grants that assist families who otherwise do not receive any other DDA services.

These budget actions will have devastating effects on the lives of people and families who rely on these critical services.

What You Can Do

1. Contact your legislators in Annapolis, tell them you oppose these cuts, and urge them to restore this critically important funding!
2. Share your personal story about how these services impact you or your loved ones.  This part is critical – make clear how personal this is to you.
3. Please share this alert with your network.

Contact Your Legislator Today!

Find your Annapolis legislators here.  Click on “Lookup”, and type in your home address. Then write only to the people listed as your State Senator and Delegates (not your Congressional representatives). When you click on their names, it will take you to each of their pages and it will have their email address listed. 

We encourage you to share your personal story when reaching out to your legislator. Remember, including your unique experiences is crucial, as legislators in Annapolis truly value those insights. 

Together, we can make our voices heard and protect the rights and services that are vital to our community. Don’t wait—act now!

The post ACTION ALERT appeared first on Maryland Association of Community Services.

 Members of Maryland’s developmental disabilities (DD) community remain deeply disappointed in Governor Moore’s budget decisions that cut $200 million in general funds, resulting in a devastating $457 million (state and federal) cut for FY26.  This represents a 22% reduction in funding for critical DD services and supports for Marylanders with developmental disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome.  

As Governor Moore delivered his State of the State address today, Laura Howell, chief executive officer of the Maryland Association of Community Service said “Today, the state of our community has never been more fearful, with the damage that will be done to the lives of more than 18,000 Marylanders with developmental disabilities.”

In his address, Governor Moore urged against complacency when the rights and humanity of Marylanders are at risk.  We agree with this sentiment. Said Ande Kolp, executive director of The Arc Maryland, “Disability rights are human rights, and those rights have never been more threatened. If not restored, these funding cuts will weaken and destabilize community supports for Marylanders with developmental disabilities for years to come.” 

As we demonstrated on Monday, February 3 – with more than 1,000 people showing up to a State House rally on three days’ notice – we will continue to advocate to protect vulnerable Marylanders from these damaging cuts.

We call on Governor Moore and our legislative leaders to pass a budget that supports our neighbors with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.  We agree with the governor’s words: “We need to invest in our greatest strength and that is our people.” 

The post STATEMENT OF THE ARC MARYLAND AND THE MARYLAND ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY SERVICES ON GOVERNOR WES MOORE’S STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS appeared first on Maryland Association of Community Services.