Dear Advocates,
We are at the final stage of the FY24 State Budget negotiations with the legislature. The Arc is grateful for Governor Healey’s House 1 Budget, as well as the House’s and Senate’s final budgets.
However, we must ensure that those who do not have access to supports through day programs are not left behind again, due to the workforce shortage and the effects of the pandemic.
We ask that you join us in this final, important step of budget advocacy, by taking action with your State Representative and Senator. We need their strong support for the following budget additions. These additions are a direct result of our collective advocacy and the leadership of our amendment sponsors.
Please request that your legislators prioritize and support:
- Addressing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities not receiving services through day programs, to include an additional $3 million in this line item, 5920-2025 DDS Employment and Day.
- Language to support and allow flexibility for those unserved or underserved by allowing transferability between lines (e.g., move money from day to family support if needed).
- Higher appropriations in Autism Waiver Children ($3 million) and the DESE-DDS program ($1.5 million).
- Operation House Call, bill language and ear mark appropriation ($150K) (training program for medical and nursing students across the state). OHC’s health equity work needs your continued advocacy to address health disparities, access to care and to avoid traumatic experiences in health care settings.
Please take action and, after doing so, share this alert with your networks!
If you have any questions, please reach out to Maura Sullivan at sullivan@arcmass.org.
