Advocacy Network Legislative Update
Developmental Disabilities Day in Annapolis Draws Hundreds
More than 600 advocates from across the state - individuals with developmental disabilities, family members, staff, and board members - (50 of them from The Arc Baltimore) went to Annapolis last week to lobby and advocate on disability funding and related issues. The Baltimore contingent had appointments (or dropped information packets) with 44 senators, delegates, and legislative staff. Constituent teams were organized for maximum impact with this year's visits. Thanks to The Arc Maryland, the Maryland Community Association of Services (MACS), the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, the Maryland Disability Law Center, and People on the Go for staging the day. Check out pictures from the day here.
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Senator Kathy Klausmeier (center) met with constituents who work in The Arc Baltimore Landscaping program along with Arc staff on DD Day.
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DDA Budget Progresses
As reported when Governor Hogan introduced his State Budget, news about the funding in Developmental Disabilities Administration was very positive. Highlights include:
- Rate increase: $35.7 million to full fund a 3.5% increase mandated in the Minimum Wage Act of 2014. Click here for more detail on this part of the DDA budget.
- Transitioning Youth: $8.9 million to fully fund 602 youth expected to graduate in 2016. Click here for more detail on this part of the DDA budget.
- Emergency Funding: $6.67 million for 161 people, an increase of funding last year to serve 63 people. Click here for more detail on this part of the DDA budget.
- Crisis Resolution/Waiting List: $5.50 million for 113 people, an increase over last year's $3 million. Click here for more detail on this part of the DDA budget.
- Waiting List Equity Fund: $727,770 for 24 people currently living with the oldest caregivers on the waiting list.
- Hearings on the DDA budget are set for February 24th and 29th.
Waiting List Gets Extra Attention
There are more than 8,000 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities on the DDA Waiting List. Because of past inconsistencies in the funding budgeted for those in the most urgent Crisis Resolution category, Senator Guy Guzzone introduced a bill that would ensure a minimum of $3.5 million in additional State Funds each year that would provide services for approximately 110 people. Click here to view the full bill - SB 413 "Developmental Disabilities Administration - Crisis Resolution Funding". The companion bill HB1499 was introduced by Delegate Bonnie Cullison.
ABLE Act Moving Along
Following action at the federal level last year, the "Maryland Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Program-Establishment" HB431 was introduced by Delegate Craig Zucker (and SB355 by Senator Brian Feldman). The program is designed to encourage individuals and families to save funds to support individuals with disabilities to maintain independence, health and quality of life. Click here for more detail on ABLE.
Legislation to End Wages Below Minimum Wage
The Arc Maryland testified last week in support (with amendments) for HB420 - "Labor and Employment - Minimum Wage - Individuals with Disabilities Act."
HB420 would phase out the use of subminimum wage (14c certificates) over three years. Such certificates have been used since the 1930s and have allowed organizations to determine a rate of pay below minimum wage based on a 'timing' of their productivity and speed compared to someone without disabilities. The Arc Baltimore discontinued paying any of its supported workers less than minimum wage two years ago (Many were already at or above the minimum wage). However, some providers still pay sub-minimum wage and this bill would require them to stop doing that by 2019.
According to testimony provided by The Arc Maryland, HB420 requires an implementation plan that includes strategic planning, engagement of stakeholders, outcome tracking and recommendations to the legislature. The plan is a critical piece of the bill to ensure positive progress. Our constituency includes people with significant disabilities, some of whom are making subminimum wage. The tracking will help stakeholders determine if substantial numbers of individuals are moving from subminimum wage jobs to minimum wage jobs; or, alternatively if significant numbers are moving from subminimum wage to no paid job and/or returning to segregated day programs. The plan requires recommendations for resources to provider agencies, including training and technical assistance, to transform their services to integrated, regular paying jobs. Without this tracking and the necessary resources, The Arc is concerned that unintended consequences could result for people with the most significant needs.
Click here for further background on the Equal Employment Act.
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