Advocacy

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Overview

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. 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.

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Bill Priorities

TRACKING LEGISLATION – LAWS
Our bills advance areas such as healthcare, housing, protection, education and family support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities including autism.

Policy Issues

A VARIETY OF KEY ISSUES
Policy issues cover changes within government at state or regional levels which impact the ways services are delivered or rights are enforced. MassHealth covers several important community living services in addition to health care. 

State Budget

TRACKING OUR BUDGET PROCESS
Each January the Governor releases his version of the state budget for the upcoming fiscal year that begins on July 1st. Each branch of the legislature (House and Senate) in turn develops a budget on which they ultimately agree and send to the Governor for his signature prior to July 1st.

Advocacy Tools

HELPFUL GUIDES AND FACT SHEETS
In this section, you will find various tools to navigate the information on public policy such as Advocacy Guides, How You Can Help, Public testimony, and Useful Information.

Insider's View

COMMENTS FROM POLICY MAKERS
Insider’s View offers constituents a chance to get to know the members of the Massachusetts legislature and hear from them directly about their involvement with the disability community.

GA Committee Opportunity to Participate

The Government Affairs Committee consists of members of The Arc’s 17 chapters and other organizations, who meet once a month to discuss legislative priorities and advocacy actions.

Headlines

Budget & PolicyCOVID19Government AffairsLeo's LettersNewsWorkforce Initiative
January 12, 2023

Leo’s Letter: As The 193rd Session Begins, Our Advocacy Continues

The 193rd Session of the Massachusetts State Legislature (also called the “General Court”) began last week. The Arc of Massachusetts held our New Legislator Orientation on Tuesday, January 10 at…
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Split image of Speaker of the House Ronald Mariano (left) and Senate President Karen Spilka (right)Budget & PolicyLeo's LettersNewsWorkforce Initiative
November 3, 2022

Leo’s Letter: New Conference Budget Includes Focus On Staffing

The Arc is pleased to announce that the new House and Senate Conference Budget includes $225 million for rates with a focus on staffing. Speaker of the House Ronald Mariano…
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Budget & PolicyCOVID19Government AffairsIn the MediaNewsWorkforce Initiative
October 14, 2022

Boston Globe Publishes Letter to the Editor on Workforce Crisis from Executive Director Leo Sarkissian

On Friday, October 14, 2022, the Boston Globe published a Letter to the Editor written by The Arc of Massachusetts Executive Director Leo Sarkissian. The letter was written in response to…
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