Hundreds of advocates, families, and support workers took to the streets outside the Maryland State House on Monday evening, voicing strong opposition to a proposed $200 million budget cut to the state’s Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). The cut, included in Gov. Wes Moore’s (D) fiscal 2026 budget, has sparked outrage among those who say the state is balancing its financial shortfall on the backs of its most vulnerable residents.
Protesters Demand Lawmakers Reject Budget Cuts
With chants of “Hey Hey! Ho Ho! These budget cuts have got to go!” the crowd made their message loud and clear. Advocates argue the proposed cuts would have devastating consequences for the nearly 20,500 Marylanders with developmental disabilities who rely on DDA services. Many believe the state should explore alternative cost-saving measures rather than reduce funding for essential programs.
Mat Rice, executive director of People on the Go Maryland, didn’t hold back. “We will not be silent, we will be heard,” he told the crowd. “But what has to be clear is these budget cuts have got to go.”
The rally took place at Lawyers Mall, just steps from the State House, where lawmakers are grappling with a projected $3 billion budget deficit. While state officials argue the cuts are necessary to manage the rapid growth of the agency, advocates say such reductions will leave thousands without critical resources and support.
Lawmakers Weigh in on the Debate
Legislators on both sides of the aisle acknowledge the fiscal challenges facing the state, but some are vowing to protect funding for disability services. Del. Craig J. Zucker (D-Montgomery), who has a son with autism, addressed the protesters and pledged his support.
“These are tough budget times,” Zucker admitted. “But we have to make sure that we’re continuing to look out for the most vulnerable in our community.”
Meeka Caldwell, a member of the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council and a mother of a son with Down syndrome, expressed frustration over the proposed cuts. “Cutting funds is not just a budget decision,” she said. “It puts the well-being of people with disabilities and their families at risk.”
Breakdown of the Proposed $200 Million Cut
State officials say the $200 million reduction comes from multiple cost-cutting measures within the DDA budget. The largest portion targets wage increases for direct support professionals—workers who provide essential care to people with disabilities. Advocates warn that slashing these funds will push more professionals out of the field, worsening an already dire workforce shortage.
A closer look at the impact:
- Support Staff Pay Cuts: Proposed wage reductions could lead to mass resignations among direct support professionals, affecting service quality.
- Medicaid Waiver Reductions: Thousands of individuals with disabilities rely on Medicaid-funded support. Funding cuts could limit access to these programs.
- Service Restrictions: Fewer resources may lead to longer wait times and fewer available services for those in need.
“The demand for these services is growing, not shrinking,” Caldwell emphasized. “Instead of cuts, we need investments.”
Advocacy Groups Call for Alternative Solutions
Ande Kolp, executive director of The Arc Maryland, described the situation as heartbreaking. “We cannot provide the same services, or more, with less funding per person,” she said. “We cannot look to our hard-working direct support professionals, the backbone of our services in Maryland, and tell them that we appreciate them, but we need to cut their pay.”
Advocacy organizations are calling on lawmakers to find alternative solutions, such as reallocating funds from less critical areas or seeking additional federal assistance. With uncertainty surrounding future federal funding, particularly under a potential Trump administration, Maryland’s financial outlook remains unpredictable.
The fight over the budget is far from over. As lawmakers continue negotiations, disability advocates have made it clear they won’t back down. For them, the issue isn’t just about numbers—it’s about real people, real lives, and a future that hangs in the balance.
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