In this new video message, The Arc of Massachusetts CEO Maura Sullivan discusses the uncertainty facing our community in recent weeks, provides an update on what The Arc of Massachusetts is doing behind the scenes with our advocacy partners, previews what we have coming up, and highlights ways you can get involved.
Through times of uncertainty, The Arc’s advocacy is ever-present. We hope you stand with us as we stand up for the needs of individuals with IDD and autism.
- The Arc US action center (Medicaid action alerts): https://action.thearc.org
- The Arc of Massachusetts budget center: https://thearcofmass.org/budget
- The Arc of Massachusetts bill platform: https://thearcofmass.org/bills
- Register for the 2025 Legislative Reception: https://thearcofmass.org/legrec
- The Arc of Massachusetts Medicaid center: https://thearcofmass.org/medicaid
Video transcript:
Hi, everyone. It’s Maura from The Arc.
I’m checking in after another week of inconceivable news from Washington and the Trump administration. As a parent and a leader and a member of our society, I’m outraged at the proposals that are coming from those in charge. They are devastating to hear, especially when you consider the effects on people with disabilities.
The Arc is taking action where we can. We are fortunate to have the expertise of The Arc of the United States leading the fight and providing tools and strategies to the chapters. We’re meeting with our congressional delegation. We’re preparing our most powerful stories and data, and we’re educating and empowering as many people as possible through advocacy trainings across the state.
Massachusetts agencies are taking the right steps. They’re focused on providing services while preparing contingency plans. We know that our congressional delegation here in Massachusetts supports Medicaid, the Department of Education, science-based and equitable healthcare.
But still, we must reinforce the need for them to prioritize people with disabilities, and we must ensure that these leaders understand just why the cuts and dismantling of our system will be devastating and dangerous. We’re also working diligently on our state budget and our new bill platform.
We hope that you’ll join us on March 6th for our annual Arc and MDDC legislative reception at the State House and on April 8th for the 20th annual Autism Advocacy Day with AFAM, also at the State House.
The Arc’s also gearing up with our LEND programs and our chapters to head to Washington, DC to fight with others from across the nation for Medicaid, Social Security, workforce, education, federally funded disability programs, and more.
We do have an uphill battle ahead, but the history of our community proves our resilience, so let’s meet this moment together.
Please reach out to The Arc to learn more about specifically Medicaid advocacy and stay tuned for additional fact sheets, briefings, and webinars.
Please stay well and please stay connected.
