We Need Your Help!

The Ways and Means Committee of the MA House of Representatives just released its version of the State Budget for FY17. We are very grateful that the House Ways and Means Committee has once again included an

appropriation for the MDSC. This year, we are requesting an increase in the appropriation to $200,000 in FY17 so we can expand our critical programs and services. We need your help to ensure this increase comes through for our community.

Please Take Just a Minute or Two

Call Your State Rep. Today to Support the MDSC Line Item Budget Amendment!

I am asking you to take a few minutes TODAY to call your State Representative (find phone number here) and ask him or her to call Rep. Tom Sannicandro at 617-722-2013 to sign on to his budget amendment that would increase the MDSC annual appropriation to $200,000. This funding is essential to our organization's ability to provide a lifelong span of supports and services to our 5,000 individuals with Down syndrome across the Commonwealth.

Please let me know if you need additional information - but please remember that this must be done before noon on Friday. Rep. Sannicandro is under a strict deadline to submit his amendment language and the names of the
co-sponsors by that time.

Higher Education Budget Amendment

Ask Your Rep. to Support 'ICEI' as Well

When you call, please also ask your representative to support Rep. Sannicandro's budget amendment to increase funding for the Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative (ICEI).

This amendment would provide $2 million to support partnerships between high schools and institutes of higher education to provide students with intellectual disabilities and autism the opportunity to participate in college courses with supports and services they need to be successful with their peers.

This initiative increases school and work success when students exit special education at age 22. The House Ways and Means budget was just released yesterday and provides $1,166,235, rather than the required $2 million.

One Call, That's All!

3 Easy Steps

Again, here's all you have to do, but you must do it TODAY (or before tomorrow morning at the very latest):

Find your State Rep's phone number here
Call and tell them you are a constituent and that you have a loved one with Down syndrome
Ask him or her (or their staff) to support TWO of Rep. Sannicandro's budget amendments

Thank You!

We appreciate your support for our community and organization! If you haven't already, register for our 3rd Annual Advocacy Day at the State House on Wed. May 18 where we will advocate for our policy priorities as well as important line items in the State Budget. Bring the whole family!

Sincerely,

Maureen Gallagher, Executive Director