Hundreds of Marylanders rally as Senate budget leaders wrap up decisions on whether to keep a proposed $150 million cut to services for those with developmental disabilities. (Photo by Danielle J. Brown/Maryland Matters)
Hundreds of developmental disability advocates rallied on Lawyers Mall Thursday to persuade lawmakers to restore what could be a massive budget cut to the agency that oversees services – what one called a last “Hail Mary” effort before senators begin votes Friday on next year’s budget.
As the rain picked up and temperatures dropped rapidly, advocates warned that the proposed $150 million cut to the Developmental Disabilities Administration budget in fiscal 2027 could threaten the services they rely on, which already took a hit from budget cuts in last year’s legislative session.
“These budget cuts aim to destroy everything I’ve worked hard to build and everything I’ve accomplished so far,” said Danielle Bustos, with Independence Now, during the rally.
“I’ve lived independently since 2017. I have taken full time jobs since 2021,” she said. “My job requires me to travel throughout the state of Maryland to as many counties as possible. I love music and I love to go to concerts … none of this would be possible without my personal care assistant.”
She was one of several speakers who worried that proposed cuts to the DDA would reduce the wages of those who help her in her day-to-day needs.
It’s the second year that advocates have come out in droves to push back against steep cuts to the DDA, the agency that administers a Medicaid waiver program to cover the unique medical needs of people with developmental disabilities. Advocates note that the proposed $150 million cut in state funds to the agency this year will actually result in a $300 million reduction total, since it will mean the loss of federal match dollars.
“We know Maryland’s budget is challenging but this is about more than numbers. It’s about supporting lives and supporting communities,” Rachel London, executive director of the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, said during the rally.
Last year, Gov. Wes Moore (D) initially proposed more than $400 million in cuts to the DDA, as the state was struggling to close a $3 billion budget gap. Subsequent lobbying and work with lawmakers brought the final cuts last year to about $164 million.
Advocates say access to services has already been affected by last year’s cuts, and more cuts now would be devastating to one of Maryland’s most vulnerable populations.
Top Senate budget officials are scheduled Friday to announce their version of the proposed budget, which could include changes to the “cost containment” proposals offered by Moore to reduce spending at the DDA.
Or, the Senate could keep Moore’s proposal. As lawmakers face another $1.6 billion shortfall, advocates fear lawmakers that much of the $150 million cut currently proposed could stick.
Hope for a massive restoration of funding, such as what happened last year, is waning.
Ande Kolp, executive director with the Arc of Maryland, said advocates “haven’t gotten indication” that lawmakers will be restoring much of the proposed cuts when the Senate announces its version of the fiscal 2027 budget – a stark shift in tone from this time last year.
“I think they’re trying … they’re looking under rocks,” Kolp said, referring to previous conversations with lawmakers this session. “But yeah, we’re not as hopeful this year — I’m hoping I’m wrong.”
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