Marylanders with developmental disabilities ‘scared, angry, concerned’ about looming $200 million in cuts to services

Maryland disability advocates are worried about the more than $200 million in proposed fiscal 2026 budget cuts to the state’s Developmental Disabilities Administration, fearing that access to needed services could be decreased.

Gov. Wes Moore, a Democrat, called for the $200 million reduction to the agency’s funding in his fiscal 2026 budget proposal following increased costs for the state. The cuts are just some pieces of a larger effort to resolve the state’s $3 billion budget deficit.

Spending for the DDA, which pays for services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, has increased by more than $500 million over the last two years. The governor’s proposed reduction, described by Maryland Budget Secretary Helene Grady as “one of the most difficult” proposals in the budget, aims to bring next year’s funding back to fiscal 2024 levels.

Advocates and those who rely on DDA services are concerned about what could lie ahead in the next fiscal year. They’re also grappling with the impact of proposed cost-cutting measures on the agency’s funding in the current fiscal year...

Marylanders with developmental disabilities ‘scared, angry, concerned’ about looming $200 million in cuts to services