Advocacy Archives - Maryland Association of Community Services

24 Feb 2025

ACTION ALERT

posted in: Action Alert, Advocacy |

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 … Read More

24 Feb 2025

STATEMENT OF THE ARC MARYLAND AND THE MARYLAND ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY SERVICES ON GOVERNOR WES MOORE’S STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS

posted in: Action Alert, Advocacy, News to Know |

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 … Read More

13 Jan 2025

MACS 2025

posted in: Advocacy, Events |

Maryland’s 2025 Legislative Session Kicks Off This week marks the beginning of Maryland’s 2025 legislative session, and MACS is gearing up for an important period of advocacy and action. The top priority this year will be the state budget, a critical issue that will determine the funding and resources available for vital supports and services. It’s essential that we come together to ensure our voices are heard and that the needs of our community are protected. Your collective advocacy will … Read More

12 Nov 2024

MACS Celebrates 40 years of Advocacy

posted in: Advocacy |

This year marks a powerful milestone: 40 years of advocacy, progress, and tireless dedication the community. From the early days of awareness campaigns to landmark legislation, we have seen firsthand how commitment has transformed lives and reshaped communities. As we celebrate 40 years, it’s clear that the work is far from over. As we look to the future, let’s keep the spirit of advocacy alive and remain united in our mission. Here’s to the next 40 years of progress and … Read More

22 Dec 2023

2024 Legislative Session

posted in: Advocacy, Events |

Join MACS for the 2024 Legislative Breakfast. This event features executive and legislative leaders sharing exclusive insights on the upcoming legislative session, and crucial topics for 2024. Gain firsthand knowledge and stay ahead of the political curve. Reserve your place now and be informed and empowered in navigating the landscape of the upcoming legislative session. January 23, 2024 Governor Calvert House, Annapolis MD 8am – 10am Register Now

14 Apr 2023

2023 Legislative Session

posted in: Advocacy |

The 2023 legislative session in Maryland had positive outcomes for the Developmental Disability (DD) community. The Governor’s budget includes a 12% rate increase for community services, and there are budget increases to expand access to services in FY 24. MACS and their DD coalition partners advocated for bills that would affect people with developmental disabilities and community providers. They ensured that the Fair Wage Act passed without a negative impact on direct support and other staff wages and focused on … Read More

26 Jan 2023

MACS Legislative Breakfast

posted in: Advocacy, Events |

MACS held its Annual Legislative Breakfast virtually on January 24. We were delighted to have so many friends from the Maryland General Assembly’s legislative leadership join us, including Budget & Tax Chair Sen. Guy Guzzone, Finance Chair Sen. Melony Griffith, President Pro Tem Sen. Malcolm Augustine, and Health and Human Services subcommittee chair Sen. Cory McCray. They were open, informative and shared new and interesting details with our memers. We were also pleased to welcome Chair of the Health and … Read More

22 Apr 2022

2022 Legislative Session Wrap Up

posted in: Advocacy |

The 2022 Maryland General Assembly adjourned at midnight on Monday! The attached report and bill chart describe many of the budget and legislative items that we— many of you included—worked on during the 90-day session. MACS will continue to update you as more information about paid family and medical leave becomes available—specifically what the overall rate of contribution will be as well as the employer- employee split.

1 Mar 2022

New Actions to Address the Needs of People with Disabilities & Older Adults in Response to & Recovery from COVID-19

posted in: Advocacy |

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 24, 2022 FACT SHEET: Administration Announces New Actions to Address the Needs of People with Disabilities and Older Adults in Response to and Recovery from COVID-19 The Administration recognizes that the COVID-19 pandemic has had tremendous impacts on disabled individuals and has resulted in new members of the disability community. Over the past year, the Administration has collaborated and consulted with the disability community and taken several key actions to address the unique needs of individuals … Read More

14 Feb 2022

Legislative Update Week of February 14, 2022

posted in: Advocacy |

Over 2000 bills have been introduced by members of the Maryland General Assembly—with more to come! This week was the first of 3 bill hearings on paid family and medical leave—aka—The Time to Care Act. This week: Paid Family & Medical Leave: Two paid family leave bills, HB 8 and HB 496, will be heard in the House Economic Matters Committee (ECM) on Tuesday, February 15th, at 1pm. The lead sponsor on HB 496 is the chair of the ECM committee. MACS has been in discussions … Read More