Advocates Warn of Déjà Vu Over Proposed Disability Budget Cuts

Proposed $150 million in cuts to Maryland's Developmental Disabilities Administration could threaten services and caregiver wages.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Advocates for people with developmental disabilities in Maryland are sounding the alarm over a proposed $150 million cut to the state's Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), which provides vital services and support. This comes just a year after the community fought back against over $400 million in proposed cuts, ultimately reducing the reductions to around $164 million. Caregivers and families fear the new round of cuts could force them to choose between essentials like food and electricity, while also jeopardizing the stability and independence of those receiving DDA services.

Why it matters

The DDA oversees Medicaid waivers that allow thousands of Marylanders with developmental disabilities to access a wide range of community-based services, from in-home caregiving to transportation and employment support. Advocates warn that the proposed cuts could lead to an exodus of caregiving staff and limit the ability of those with disabilities to live independently, threatening their hard-won progress and quality of life.

The details

The proposed cuts include reductions to wages for one-on-one support staff and other positions that assist people with the highest needs. There are also plans to cap the annual personal budget for DDA waiver recipients at $500,000, despite the fact that individual needs can vary greatly. Advocates say these measures will be "harmful" and "put our services at risk."

  • In 2025, the Moore administration's initial budget proposed over $400 million in cuts to the DDA.
  • After advocacy efforts, the final cuts in 2025 were reduced to around $164 million.
  • In 2026, the Moore administration is proposing a $150 million cut in general funds to the DDA, which would result in a total cut of $300 million with the loss of matching federal Medicaid dollars.

The players

Idris Idowu

A caregiver for those with developmental disabilities who fears the proposed wage cuts will force him to choose between providing for his family or supporting his clients.

Laura Hatcher

A parent whose son has developmental and intellectual disabilities and requires round-the-clock care, expressing fears that the situation feels like "déjà vu" from last year's budget battles.

Tracy Wright

The deputy director for People on the Go Maryland, an advocacy group, who says the proposed cuts would be "harmful" and "put our services at risk."

Karen McDonough

A parent whose son has seen "immense" improvements in his quality of life thanks to the community-based services funded by the DDA, which she fears the proposed cuts could jeopardize.

Wes Moore

The Democratic governor of Maryland, whose administration has proposed the latest round of cuts to the DDA budget.

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What they’re saying

“I have a family of four depending on me. My children look to me to keep a roof over their heads or food on the table. Now you are proposing wage cuts — let me be clear about what that means for people like me. It means choosing between groceries and electricity.”

— Idris Idowu, Caregiver for those with developmental disabilities (marylandmatters.org)

“I chose this profession because I believe in helping people with disabilities care for themselves. How can I pour from an empty cup? How can I give my best to the people I support when I am drowning myself? ... We are essential and yet we are treated as expendable.”

— Idris Idowu, Caregiver for those with developmental disabilities (marylandmatters.org)

“These cuts would be harmful to us, and they will hurt us and put our services at risk. We understand that we have to be responsible … but this isn't the way to do it.”

— Tracy Wright, Deputy Director, People on the Go Maryland (marylandmatters.org)

“These supports are crucial to his sense of a safe, productive, independent social and enjoyable life – a life that is not confined to being at home with mom or dad. That peace of mind exists because of the supports funded through DDA and provided by a trusted community provider. The proposed budget cuts threaten both his present stability and his future.”

— Karen McDonough, Parent of son with developmental disabilities (marylandmatters.org)

What’s next

The Maryland General Assembly will continue budget negotiations in the coming weeks, with advocates hoping to further reduce or eliminate the proposed cuts to the DDA.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the ongoing struggle to adequately fund critical services for the developmental disabilities community in Maryland, as advocates fight to prevent hard-won progress from being erased by budget cuts that could force caregivers out of the profession and limit the independence of those relying on DDA support.