Governor Charlie Baker signed the FY23 budget this morning and we have all good news to share! The Governor did not veto any of our DDS budget priorities or our policy priorities that passed through as amendments.
Governor Baker signed off on the additional $79 million to from the legislature for the FY23 DDS budget for a total increase of $118 million. Funding will assist over 6,000 additional persons and families.
The budget maintains the $230 million reserve in Chapter 257 originally proposed by him. We appreciate the Governor’s support on these advances.
The number of additional constituents impacted by this budget include:
- 1,560 people in employment or day services
- Nearly 1,800 people for transportation
- 343 children with autism
- 900 people Turning 22
- 285 adults with autism
- 5,000 families with support
Senator Joan Lovely and Representative Garballey and Representative Pat Haddad’s bill for Higher Education Opportunities for people with IDD/autism (MAICEI) passed with no veto of any parts of the amendment and with the appropriate funding. This legislation will allow all individuals regardless of their disability status to participate in higher education.
Senator Barrett and Representative Garballey’s Disability Commission bill passed with no vetoes to the amendment and with appropriate funding. This legislation will create the first commission of its kind that will give people with disabilities the right to investigate their own history as it connects to the legacy of the state institutions.
Thank you to our advocates, our partners in advocacy and to our dedicated legislators and leadership. Gov. Baker’s press release is here.
