Families Urge Maryland Lawmakers to Spare Budget Cuts for People with Disabilities

Hundreds of people gathered in Annapolis to protect critical services for those with developmental disabilities.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 1:44am

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Hundreds of people with developmental disabilities, their advocates, and families converged in Annapolis, Maryland to lobby lawmakers to reconsider $150 million in proposed budget cuts to the state's Developmental Disabilities Administration. The cuts were part of Governor Wes Moore's plan to close a $1.4 billion deficit, but advocates argued these services are essential for people with disabilities to live, work, and participate in their communities.

Why it matters

The proposed budget cuts would significantly impact the lives of thousands of Marylanders with developmental disabilities who rely on state-funded services and support. Advocates argue these cuts would undermine the progress made in helping people with disabilities live independently and contribute to their communities.

The details

The Developmental Disabilities Administration provides services to almost 17,000 people through community providers, as well as 3,600 individuals in self-directed models where families hire their own support staff. Advocates shared personal stories, including a mother who lost income while caring for her 26-year-old daughter with special needs, and a woman living independently with the help of direct support personnel. They argued these critical services help people 'get out of bed, get to work, participate in their communities and lead meaningful lives'.

  • The General Assembly is currently in session and considering the governor's proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget.
  • The budget proposal is currently in the hands of the Senate, where decisions will be made by a committee on Friday. The full Senate will further debate it before sending the proposal to the House.

The players

Wes Moore

The Governor of Maryland who proposed the $150 million in budget cuts to the Developmental Disabilities Administration as part of a plan to close a $1.4 billion deficit.

Rachel London

An advocate who spoke at the rally, saying 'We are here because so many services people rely on are at risk. These services are critical. They make real differences in the lives of people with developmental disabilities, helping them live, work and play in our communities.'

Jennifer Drucker

A mother of a 26-year-old with special needs who lost all of her income while caring for her daughter and is now moving because she can no longer afford her house payments.

Danielle

An advocate who said the budget cuts 'aim to destroy everything I worked so hard to build and everything that I have accomplished so far.'

Curtis Davis

An advocate who said the services 'help people get out of bed, get to work, participate in their communities and lead meaningful lives.'

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What they’re saying

“We are here because so many services people rely on are at risk. These services are critical. They make real differences in the lives of people with developmental disabilities, helping them live, work and play in our communities.”

— Rachel London, Advocate (WBAL-TV 11 News)

“My daughter has very special needs. We dress her, feed her, bathe her. She needs 24/7 care.”

— Jennifer Drucker, Mother of a 26-year-old with special needs (WBAL-TV 11 News)

“These budget cuts aim to destroy everything I worked so hard to build and everything that I have accomplished so far.”

— Danielle, Advocate (WBAL-TV 11 News)

“They help people get out of bed, get to work, participate in their communities and lead meaningful lives.”

— Curtis Davis, Advocate (WBAL-TV 11 News)

“The governor needs to come up with a better way to do this. We can't afford to go back.”

— Matthew, Advocate (WBAL-TV 11 News)

What’s next

The budget proposal is currently in the hands of the Senate, where decisions will be made by a committee on Friday. The full Senate will further debate it before sending the proposal to the House.

The takeaway

This rally highlights the critical importance of state-funded services for people with developmental disabilities, and the significant impact that proposed budget cuts could have on their ability to live independently and participate fully in their communities. Advocates are urging lawmakers to find alternative solutions that do not jeopardize these essential supports.