Advocacy
Advocacy can mean many things both in regard to what and the how. The what for us is—working toward policies, funding, laws, regulations and other types of outcomes which advance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families (see our mission here ). On a simple level, the “how” means encouraging, pleading, urging, and providing justification. But it gets more complex when you apply the “how” to “where”. There is the administration of the state or federal government, the legislature, the courts, school committees, etc.
The advancements of our present age didn’t come easily and require vigilance and yes, advocacy. Further advocacy for our cause requires people –anyone who cares about disabilities and wishes to build a good life in the community. Services cost dollars, rights require laws and regulations and understanding takes public education. Much has been done, but there continues to be work to do. The Advocacy pages share areas in which we are most involved and tools. Our priorities evolve over time. This page provides an index of the section and government affairs headlines.
Headlines
FY’22 State Budget: Senate Releases Completed Budget Blueprint
Last week, the Massachusetts State Senate completed its blueprint of the budget. Funding in both the House and Senate include The Arc’s priorities. Increases in Day, Employment, and Family Support are in both branches. Other line items such as Residential and Autism Omnibus appear to have adequate funding.
Contact Your Senator: Budget Amendments on Nicky’s Law, Pandemic Impact on Students of Color with Autism, and Turning 22
The Arc is grateful for the Senate Ways and Means budget for people with IDD and autism. There are a few amendments that will help with implementation of Nicky’s Law/Dana’s Law, the COVID-19 impact on students of color with autism, and those Turning 22 during this pandemic.
FY’22 State Budget: The Arc’s Full Senate Ways and Means Response
On May 11, the Senate Ways & Means Committee released its FY’22 budget. The proposed budget reflects the legislature’s efforts to alleviate the challenges and difficulties the Commonwealth, and particularly the disability community, has faced this past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also puts forth a thoughtful plan on how we move forward in an equitable way. The Committee’s budget invests over $2.39 billion in a variety of services and programs that assist people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and autism. We’re pleased to see the Senate maintain the House FY’22 budget increases in the DDS line items, including Day and Employment ($15 million increase), Transportation ($7 million increase) and Family Support ($7 million increase), with a total increase of $29 million.
FY’22 State Budget: Great News from Senate Ways and Means Committee
The Senate Ways and Means Committee released its FY’22 budget today. The Arc is thankful for the increases in the DDS line items over the Governor’s budget, also included by the House.