Senate Rejects Disability Amendments

May 28, 2010

Without debate, the Senate rejected key amendments to restore developmental disabilities, brain injury, and extended employment funding.

The amendments were targeted to restore essential residential, day services and employment programs.

ADDP, The Arc and MFOFC had advised legislators that 86 to 100 people will lose residential services and over 700 people with disabilities will lose day and employment supports from DDS and MRC.

Over 1000 emails were sent by supporters of these amendments, through the ADDP and Arc HOPE campaign.  Family members, consumers and advocates received responses from dozens of Senators pledging that “disabilities services are among my top priorities”, however when our amendments were presented for consideration, no members requested a roll call vote subjecting the matter to a non-recorded voice vote.

ADDP, the Arc and MFOFC will continue to advocate for restorations or reshifting of funds through the conference committee process.

Arc, ADDP, & MFOFC
Amendment Priorities

Senate Action:

1. Rejected: Amendment 558 by Sen. Candaras,  restoring Residential Services, Line Item 5920-2000:  Restore $6 million to prevent 86 to 100 people from losing their current homes.
2. Rejected: Amendment 622 by Senators Spilka and Menard, restoring Day and Employment Programs, Line Item 5920-2025:  Restore $7 million so 450 people will keep their jobs and day services.
3. Withdrawn: Amendment 702 by Senators Kennedy & Joyce restoring Family Support, Line Item 5920-3000: Restore $1.5 million so individuals with disabilities and their families can receive in-home supports.
4. Rejected:  Amendment 648 and Amendment 679  by Sen. Eldridge,  restoring MRC Line Items 4120-6000 and 4120-3000: Restore $2 million to prevent loss of community supports for 95 people. Restore employment supports for 300 people with multiple disabilities who will lose service unless this line receives an additional $3 million.
5. Approved at $4 million Amendment 372 by Sen. Walsh, restoring DESE-DDS program, Line Items 5948-0012 and 7061-0012: Restoring $6.5 Million for program that helps keep 201 families together and keep kids in local schools.
6. Rejected:  Amendment 656 by Sen. Jehlen, restoring Turning 22, DDS line item 5920-5000: Requesting additional $2.7 million to provide for 300 students making transition from school life to adult life. Also needs language that allocates $18.6 for second year (annualization) funding for FY12. 

 The Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers consists of 128 community organizations from across Massachusetts that provide services and supports to thousands people with developmental disabilities, or traumatic brain injuries. The membership of the Association hold more than 90 percent of the Department of Developmental Services community residential, day and family support contracts. Members also provide Medicaid-funded day habilitation services and Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission-funded supports.