The federal budget process begins in April with the President’s budget proposal, which is a set of recommendations for how the government should prioritize and spend federal funds. Congress then begins its review in the spring, typically working through the budget resolution process between April and early summer, which sets overall spending targets.
Following that, the House and Senate Appropriations Committees begin drafting the appropriations bills that determine how money is actually allocated throughout the summer into early fall. The process is ideally completed by October 1, the start of the federal fiscal year, though in practice it often extends into late fall or requires continuing resolutions to temporarily fund the government.
The President’s FY27 federal budget proposal has been released, and it raises significant concerns for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and autism. Early reports of the proposal indicate that the President’s budget would eliminate or restructure key federal disability programs, including the University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs), which provide critical training, research, and support in every state. These centers also support professionals, schools, and service systems nationwide.
The proposal also suggests consolidating several education-related disability programs under IDEA, including parent and family training and technical assistance supports. These changes would shift more responsibility to states and reduce the federal government’s role in overseeing how services are delivered.
While the FY27 federal budget is not final, the President’s proposal raises serious concerns about the future of federally supported disability programs. The Arc of Massachusetts will continue monitoring developments closely and working to ensure that people with IDD and autism are protected in final federal budget decisions.
Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities for advocacy as the federal budget process continues to unfold.
