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Between and around snow storms, Developmental Disabilities advocates from The Arc Baltimore and our partners have been actively involved in several fast moving issues. Here's the update.
Minimum Wage - We support an increase in the minimum wage AND an increase in the Direct Support hourly wage factor so that developmental disability direct support positions do not become minimum wage jobs.
Two companion bills (SB890 and HB1266) have now been introduced that would raise the hourly rate the state pays. The current average rate is $9.82 per hour. The proposed legislation would increase the wage factor to 50% above the State minimum wage. An emergency lobby night last Monday brought nearly 200 family members, self-advocates and staff to Annapolis to talk about this issue. The following day, the House Economic Affairs Committee held a marathon meeting on the minimum wage issue and Deputy Executive Director Kathleen Durkin, who is serving as president of the MACS organization testified. Also testifying was Lawrence Jenkins, a direct support staff person from The Arc, who talked about the challenges and demands of his position, the skill requirements and the training required. With him was Tom Franz, one of the three men from the home who he supports in our Community Living program. Both gentlemen served as a meaningful example of the valuable work of direct support staff and why the minimum wage increase must be tied to the rate increase. This week, the three testified again (after a snow delay from last week) before the Senate Finance Committee.
 | | Tom Franz, Kathleen Durkin, and Lawrence Jenkins at the Senate Finance Committee. |
SB890 will be heard on February 27. Please be on the lookout for an Alert and call for letters, e-mails, and phone calls.
DDA Budget and Transitioning Youth Shortfall - The Arc Baltimore and our Coalition partners continue to support the DDA budget that was included in the Governor's budget, with one exception - Transitioning Youth. The $5.1 million included is only about half the amount needed to cover the 596 young men and women who will be graduating from school this June and will need employment or day service supports. Budget Hearings this week in the Senate and House included advocates on this issue, including Sherry Bramande, the mother of a son graduating this year from Battle Monument with hopes of entering an Arc program. Sherry and her son have received a variety of support from The Arc Baltimore since 2001. Her testimony was compelling. Thanks to Sherry for representing the hopes and fears of hundreds of other parents!
Developmental Disabilities Day in Annapolis - Thirty advocates from The Arc Baltimore attended DD Day this past Tuesday, including board members, self-advocates, parents, and staff. In all, 500 advocates from across Maryland turned out for the legislative briefing, rally, and visits to legislators. Throughout the day, attendees heard from Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown, DHMH Secretary Joshua Sharfstein, Department of Disabilities Catherine Raggio, Senator Mac Middleton, and others. After the briefing, advocates marched to Lawyer's Mall for the rally with self-advocates leading the chants and cheers calling for RESPECT for people with disabilities and also for their families and the staff who support them. From the rally, The Arc Baltimore attendees met with or dropped off materials for nearly 50 of our State Senators and Delegates. It was a GREAT day.
 | | Members of our advocacy group at DD Day in Annapolis. |
To see the fact sheets on the DDA budget and the minimum wage issue and SB890 / HB1266, click here.
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