The developmental disability Community was quite surprised with the Senate Ways and Means Committee FY 16 Budget Report, which in the aggregate was much closer to the FY 16 House One Budget submitted by GOP Governor Charlie Baker, rather then the FY 16 House enacted Budget crafted by Democratic Speaker Bob DeLeo and House Ways and Means Chair Brian Dempsey.

Despite these setbacks advocates are grateful to Ways & Means Senate Chair Sen. Karen Spilka and the Committee for restoring AFC 14 Respite and adding to Turning 22, Employment Blueprint and Kids's Autism Waiver.  That said advocates are working hard to restore the following budget shortfalls.

• 1000 people with significant disabilities will lose assistance with toileting, feeding and behavioral supports thus losing their day hab placements
• Costs will likely transfer to Residential programs if participants lose their day placements.
• Impact may be most acutely felt by people who live at home with their families.
• Federal regulations complicate this potential cut; consumers must be given 45 days notice and may appeal the loss of services; during an appeal the State must pay for the continuation of the service
• If this cut is to take effect for FY 16 on July 1, 2015, then 1000 families will need to soon get cut off notices which will likely result in protest calls to legislators, the Governor's office and others in state government creating a panic for many families.
   
  DDS Family & Respite Supports, Line Item 5920-3000; Budget Amendment will restore to $55,933,705 (House Number)
• Key Sponsor: Senator Barbara l'Italien
   


• The Senate amount is  $4 million less than the House amount
• This fund provides in home therapies, nursing supports, and prevents out of home residential placements giving families needed relief.
• Ironically the Senate restored Respite Care for AFC Foster Families but now cut it for non foster care families
• Respite and Family Support saves the state over $100,000 per person who otherwise might be in out of home residential placement.
• Reduction is estimated to reduce service to 800 families.

 

DDS Autism Adult Services, Line Item 5920-3020 (5920-3005 in the House); Budget Amendment will restore to $12,367,109 (House and Govenor's Numbers) 

 Key Sponsor: Senator Barbara l'Italien

•  Senate and House enacted Autism Omnibus Bill in 2014 expanding definition and eligibility for DDS services to people with autism
• Senate cut the House and Governor's appropriation for this line item by 50%.
• There is an explosion of people with autism seeking services. $6 million means over 200 people will not receive services in FY 16 

 

         

•  Governor and Senate Cut by $3 million
•  This budget takes people with disabilities to jobs; without transportation   people cannot go to work.