Update From The Arc of Massachusetts: Briefing by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) on the 9C Cuts Announced by Governor Maura Healey
Stakeholders met with Commissioner Jane Ryder of DDS this morning and she informed us of specific reductions that will be impacted by Governor Maura Healey’s 9C cuts.
Governor Healey’s 9C cuts: DDS impact
January 8, 2024 (Updated)
We had reported $55 million in DDS cuts will be taking place based on initial conversations. 9C forms filed with the legislature reflect a total of $50,163,000.
- $35.4 million residential account (not $40 million as previously reported)
- $13.75 million from day account ($750,000 additional than reported)
- $1 million from children’s autism
This amount is part of the $2.7 billion DDS budget. This represents a 2% cut.
Commissioner Ryder stated that these cuts are projected amounts which will not be spent due to delays in placements and getting people back to services. Additionally,
- No contracts are being amended.
- New program development will not be impacted.
- Residential incentives will be continued, which were established for the FY24 year
- The new residential model pilot programs will go on-line as expected in spring 2024—to remind you these are supported living or family in home options avoid placement into group homes but are aimed at significantly assisting persons with disabilities in family homes.
Despite this being a “relatively” small amount of the DDS budget, this news can reduce hope for those still waiting to be served. We also need to see growth in rates to address recruitment of qualified direct support, supervisory, and clinical staff; fringe benefits (like health care premiums); and training allowances in our home and community services.
The 2% 9C reduction is not the real issue here. The real issue is the service system has not fully embraced the rate of change and outreach which must take place for those unserved at home or in their residences 24/7 with adequate assistance.
The Arc is very concerned that there continue to be people who CANNOT return to services who need assistance in their home and community. We encourage those in need to contact their respective Area director for this assistance. If they do not receive the assistance they need to then call or email the Office of the Ombudsperson at (617) 821-1677 and DDSOmbuds@mass.gov The position is there to address problems in obtaining the assistance that individuals and families need.
You can copy The Arc in the cc or bcc as you wish by using huggon@arcmass.org
Learn more at https://thearcofmass.org/personal-advocacy/
