January 30, 2020 | Issue #26
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The Arc Of Massachusetts Releases Analysis of the Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) Budget
Last week. we announced highlights from Governor Charlie Baker’s budget. The budget for our constituency grew at the same pace of the state budget increase. 

We appreciate the investments targeted by Secretary Sudders and Commissioner Ryder, which included $160 million from EOHHS for the Chapter 257 Purchase of Service reserve; an 11% increase in Family Support; and a 25% increase in autism omnibus. Last year, the Governor and legislature provided over 8% in new spending at DDS.  You can read our full FY21 analysis here.
Featured
ACT NOW: Protect Social Security and SSI!

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has proposed a rule that would require complicated paperwork more often and put benefits for thousands of people with disabilities at risk! SSA is taking comments from the public that the government must read and respond to before it makes the rule final until tomorrow, January 31 .

It is critical that the disability community sends in as many comments as possible explaining why this rule is harmful and how Social Security and SSI help people with disabilities to stop the rule from being implemented. Act now and submit your letters today.
Important Notice: Supporting Families Day Venue Change

Due to high capacity for the annual advocacy day for our Supporting Families Campaign on February 13, our program will now be held at The Church on the Hill at 140 Bowdoin Street. After the presentation, advocates are encouraged to join us as we cross the street and move to the State House. Don't miss out: register today.
January 30 Nicky's Law Update From State House News

The House and Senate are moving closer to final passage of legislation creating a registry to safeguard against abuse of disabled individuals by their caretakers. The Senate on Thursday concurred with a House amendment to the bill (S 2367), which had previously cleared both branches in differing forms. Final enactment votes would send the bill to the Governor.
Government Affairs
Join us for the 42nd Annual Legislative Reception
Please join The Arc and MDDC at the Massachusetts State House on Wednesday, March 4 for our 42nd Annual Legislative Reception. Our theme this year is Breaking through Bias: Advancing Opportunities, Raising Expectations.
Workforce: Maura Sullivan, Kathleen Amaral take part in Southcoast Advocacy Breakfast
On Friday, January 24, Director of Government Affairs Maura Sullivan served as the emcee for the Southcoast Human Service Advocacy Legislative Breakfast at White’s of Westport. The theme was the Workforce Shortage Crisis.
Operation House Call
Operation House Call receives grant from Flutie Foundation to enhance intersectional outreach
We are pleased to announce that we have received a $10,000 Signature Grant from the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism. The funds will be used to grow a more intersectional team of families and co-teachers with autism.
Operation House Call continues to expand at Simmons University
On January 22, our third year of Operation House Call at Simmons University kicked off with over 130 students from Simmons Graduate Nursing Program, Physical Therapy Program, and Nutrition Program.
Webinars
Outside The Arc
The application period for the DESE/DDS Residential Prevention Program has been extended. The new deadline for interest forms is February 21. Learn more.
The Shriver Center at UMass Medical School is seeking participants with ID ages 12-16 for a non-competitive sport sampling and nutrition education research study.
Sponsor Spotlight

The work of The Arc of Massachusetts is made possible by generous donations from people like you, friend. None of our advocacy, education, and outreach would be possible without your continued support. Please consider giving today.