For the previous two fiscal years, the state legislature has include a $100,000 appropriation in the budget for the MDSC. This funding was essential to our ability to advocate for full, meaningful lives for individuals with Down syndrome across the state, directly paying for programs and services that provide hope to new and expectant parents, training to medical professionals and students, best practices to educators, meaningful opportunities for teens and adults, and a strong voice on Capitol Hill.

Although that $100,000 line item once again made it into the House version of the FY15 budget (beginning July 1), the Senate DID NOT include our appropriation in its recently released version.

WE MUST RECTIFY THIS AND WE ONLY HAVE 2 HOURS!

Please read on for what you can do to help!

TAKE ACTION NOW - ONLY 2-HOUR WINDOW

Calls to Senators Needed to Continue Ds Funding

Our friend, state Senator Richard Moore, has agreed to sponsor a budget amendment to include that funding for the MDSC.

But we only have till 2 p.m. today to get as many co-sponsors as possible. Please call your State Senator NOW and ask him or her to support Senator Moore's budget amendment for line item 5911-1003 to keep the MDSC's $100,000 appropriation in the FY15 state budget. This money is critical to the continuation of the MDSC educational outreach programs that help the 5,000 families who are a part of the MDSC network.

Go here to find out who your Senator is and his/her contact information.

There is no time to spare. Please call your senator now!!!

We want to thank Sen. Moore and senators Stephen Brewer and Jennifer Flanagan for their steadfast support of people with Down syndrome.

Please read on for a suggested script when calling your Senator's office!

What Should You Say?

Here is a sample script that you can use when calling your Senator to ask for their support of Sen. Moore's amendment:

Senator _________,

As your constituent, I am calling to ask you to sign on as a co-sponsor for Senator Richard Moore's budget amendment for the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress - Line Item 5911-1003.

The MDSC provides critical programs and services for over 5,000 people living with Down syndrome in Massachusetts. As a family member who has a loved one with Down syndrome, this is very important to me and my family.

Please let Senator Moore's office know immediately that you will co-sponsor his amendment.

Thank you, in advance, for your support,

Your Name

Your Address and Phone

Don't forget to join us on Tuesday, May 27, when we hold our first ever Down Syndrome Advocacy Day at the State House. You'll have fun and make a difference. We promise!

Over the last year, the MDSC has taken the reins to push for the

National Background Check Bill which would close a gaping loophole that puts our loved ones at risk. When we walk the halls of Beacon Hill May 27, this bill will be at the top of our priority list.

Then, once you register for the Advocacy Day, join us for our pre-event training webinar on Tuesday, May 20 at 11 am, where you can learn everything you need to know for a successful day advocating. We will go over how to contact your legislators to set up meetings, what to say during your meetings, and all the top priorities we will be asking legislators to support. Register for the free webinar here. Don't worry, if you can't make the webinar, we will make it available on our YouTube page or stay tuned to our Facebook page for a direct link.

Finally, we hope you will take a few moments to support the broad disability items in the state senate budget that impact people with Down syndrome and other disabilities. Please use this Action Alert from our partners at The Arc of Mass to ask your senator to co-sponsor these amendments to critical DDS services and supports.

In addition, please ask your Senator to support the transition needs of youth with disabilities through the Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment (ICE) program. In the latest Senate budget, ICE was level funded at $700,000. Urge your senator to co-sponsor Senator Creem's budget amendment to line item 7009-9600, which would allocate $1.2 million and provide critical funding for students with intellectual disabilities and with autism.

Sincerely,

Maureen Gallagher, Executive Director