As Maryland embarks on its 447th Legislative Session, lawmakers are making critical decisions that will shape the future of the state. The session began on January 8, 2025, and will run for 90 days, concluding on April 7, 2025. During this critical period, state legislators work diligently to pass bills and set the budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

With more than 3,000 bills introduced thus far, advocacy and public engagement are essential to ensuring vital programs remain funded and accessible.

Among the key issues this year is the state’s budget, which initially included cuts that could have drastically reduced essential services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and the providers who support them.

A Major Win for IDD Services in Maryland

Governor Wes Moore, along with budget leaders in the Maryland General Assembly, Senator Guy Guzzone and Delegate Ben Barnes, have recognized the significant impact that the $197 million in FY25 Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) budget cuts would have had on people with disabilities, their families, and community providers. A plan is currently being developed with their leadership to avoid these cuts to the FY25 budget.

This decision marks a crucial first step in ensuring that Marylanders with IDD continue to have access to the essential services and supports they need to live, work, and connect throughout the community. The short-term stability provided by this decision will allow the disability community to maintain our collaborative efforts with state leaders as we work towards restoring the proposed cuts for the FY26 DDA budget.

The Fight to Fully Restore IDD Funding

The decision to remove the $197 million in cuts to the FY25 budget came after weeks of fierce advocacy from the disability community. Families, service providers, and self-advocates across Maryland made their voices heard through meetings, calls, and public testimonies.

On February 3, hundreds of advocates rallied in Annapolis to urge lawmakers to protect IDD services, and on February 13, more than 1,000 advocates participated in Developmental Disability Day, further highlighting to lawmakers the negative impact the proposed cuts would have. Their powerful presence sent a clear message that these vital programs must be preserved.

“This victory highlights the power of advocacy,” said Jonathon Rondeau, President & CEO of The Arc Central Chesapeake Region (The Arc). “Together, we were able to stop these cuts in the short term, but there is still much more work to be done. We are confident that we can continue working with Maryland’s leadership to find a solution that ensures people with IDD receive the support they need and deserve.”

While the immediate threat for FY25 has been addressed, the fight is far from over. The proposed FY26 budget still includes $457 million in reductions that could severely impact people with IDD and the organizations that support them. The DDA funds essential programs that more than 18,000 Marylanders with IDD rely on for daily support, independence, and dignity.

Summary of Budget Concerns for FY26:

Dedicated Hours

One of the proposed changes is the revision of the Dedicated Hours Policy, requiring providers to exhaust Shared Hours in Community Living first. This change would significantly impact the daily lives of people with IDD, limiting their ability to make individual choices about their activities. Withholding access to Dedicated Hours also goes against the spirit of the federal Community Rule, which requires that people have choice in their daily activities.

Low-Intensity Support Services (LISS)

The FY26 budget also proposes eliminating the Low-Intensity Support Services (LISS) Program, which provides crucial assistance to families and individuals with IDD. The LISS lottery system has been a vital resource for many families seeking support that they cannot access elsewhere.

For a more detailed breakdown of all proposed budget changes and their impacts, visit the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council’s website.

Stay Informed

The legislative session is moving quickly, and decisions made in Annapolis will have lasting effects on Maryland’s IDD community. Staying engaged is crucial. To stay on top of legislative events like this, please join The Arc’s Newsletter and follow us on social media.

To find out who your representatives are and how to contact them about the issues that matter most to you, visit the Maryland General Assembly Website.