“The Arc is pleased to see this timely response from the DDS Commissioner regarding the recent acts of our federal government. We are encouraged by the Commissioner’s statement and plan to work closely with the administration, and our community as we navigate the challenges ahead.” – CEO Maura Sullivan
DDS Commissioner Sarah Peterson’s full statement is included below.
To the DDS Community,
Over the course of the past two weeks, I have heard from many of you who have expressed concern for the impact on the DDS community of the passage of the far-reaching bill signed into law by President Trump on July 4th. This bill drastically reshapes certain safety net programs, including Medicaid and SNAP, which are crucial to most of the individuals and families that DDS supports. These changes go directly to eligibility thresholds, work requirements, and state funding levels for critical health care, human service and food security programs. The Healey-Driscoll Administration is deeply concerned about the negative impacts on eligibility, benefit levels, and state funding requirements, leading to significant impacts on our individuals and our partners. These changes will go into effect over time, and we are committed to keeping you fully informed as we learn more from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and other federal agencies as they proceed through rulemaking.
I also understand that restructuring at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Education, and other agencies have created confusion and dismay. Moreover, changes to immigration policy and indiscriminate enforcement in our communities are also of concern to a number of families and individuals we support, as well as to our workforce and providers. Knowledge is power and we will disseminate information on these changes as we receive it and continue to partner with the state Office for Refugees and Immigrants to offer information and trainings so that everyone is informed on potential impacts as executive orders and court decisions continue to change this landscape each day.
While I recognize that news coming out of Washington has caused uncertainty and anxiety, individuals involved with DDS, families, providers and allies should find comfort in the commitment of the Healey-Driscoll Administration that Massachusetts will continue to be a place where individuals with disabilities will receive excellent care, have opportunities to be fully engaged in their communities, and have their rights honored and respected. On the same day that President Trump signed the reconciliation bill into law, Governor Healey signed the state’s FY26 budget, which reaffirms our commitment to protecting essential care and services for people in Massachusetts, with an eye toward increased effectiveness of our system and fiscal responsibility. Our commitment to you is that we will work closely with our many partners, including EOHHS, MassHealth, DTA and our provider network to analyze the details of the final federal budget bill and resulting rule changes and that we will keep you informed. While the impact will certainly be significant for our community, we will be proactive, work in partnership to develop solutions, and support one another during these difficult times. I am grateful now more than ever to be a resident of Massachusetts, and for the community that DDS supports, represents, and walks alongside.
In partnership,
Sarah
Sarah Peterson
Commissioner
Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
