Greetings!
As you may be aware, Governor Hogan released his FY 2021 proposed budget last week. In it, the state operating budget totals $47.9 billion, which includes General Funds (state funds), Federal Funds, and Special Funds (revenues from a designated source). The DDA's FY 2021 proposed community services budget totals $1,347,856,751 and the overall budget for community services increased by $48.5 million in total funds.
Also, last Thursday, January 16, representatives from your
Prince George’s Provider Council
membership (shown above) attended the
MACS
Legislative Breakfast in Annapolis, MD to hear what leading Senators and Delegates had to say about proposed funding cuts and other issues of particular interest to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. For your information, below are highlights from the Governor's proposed budget of state funding for DDA.
$25,000,000
for a 2% rate increase for DDA service providers. This amount falls short of the mandated 4% rate increase provided by the minimum wage legislation in 2019.
$7,631,400
for Transitioning Youth services. This will provide employment or day supports for all eligible youth transitioning from school in FY 2021. DDA projects that approximately 593 transitioning youth will be served.
$789,747
to support people in emergency situations. An estimated 25 people will receive services.
$4,773,242
to provide services to approximately 275 people in the Crisis Resolution priority category on the DDA waiting list. There are over 4,300 people on the waiting list in different priority categories.
$734,270
from the Waiting List Equity Fund to support approximately 27 people on the waiting list with the oldest caregivers.
$993,109
to provide services to approximately 28 young adults aging out of Department of Social Services placements.
$4,543,672
for Low Intensity Support Services.
$10,000,000
for the Community Support Waiver, to provide continued funding for non-residential services in the community for 400 people. This waiver is capped at $25,000 per person/per year.
$4,800,000
for the Individual & Family Support Waiver, to provide continued funding for 400 children under age 21 and their families and supplement what is provided through MSDE and other service systems for people age 21 and under. This waiver is capped at $12,000 per person/per year.
Additional funds are included to continue providing services for people receiving services in FY 2020.
Stay tuned for more information about the proposed budget and upcoming DDA budget hearings.
Sincerely,
Nadine Bartholomew
EPIC Marketing Director
