Maryland Advocates Warn of Cuts Threatening Vulnerable Residents

Proposed $126 million in budget cuts could slash home-based caregiver wages by up to 50%

Mar. 25, 2026 at 12:42am

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Advocates in Maryland are warning that proposed state budget cuts of $126 million to the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration pose an immediate threat to the safety and well-being of thousands of the state's most vulnerable residents. The cuts could slash home-based caregiver wages by as much as 50%, impacting around 4,000 people who use self-directed care services.

Why it matters

The proposed cuts come after a state audit revealed issues with the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration, including failing to collect $118 million in provider payments and struggling to handle increasing caseloads. Advocates argue these cuts will have a devastating impact on the lives of vulnerable Marylanders who rely on these critical services.

The details

Dozens of people rallied on Tuesday against the proposed $126 million in cuts, which advocates say pose an immediate threat. The cuts could slash home-based caregiver wages by as much as 50%, impacting around 4,000 people who use self-directed care services that allow them to hire their own attendants. Advocates are calling on state delegates to use budget surplus funds to fill the wage cuts and work out differences with the Senate in a conference committee.

  • The rally took place on Tuesday, March 25, 2026.
  • The proposed $126 million in cuts are part of the Maryland state budget for fiscal year 2027.

The players

Carin Smith

The founder of Maryland Self-Direction Services.

B.J. Surhoff

A former Baltimore Orioles player whose son has autism and was the keynote speaker at the rally.

Jessica Gallatin

A board member for the Self-Directed Advocacy Network of Maryland.

Amy Gallagher

The president of the Cool Kids Campaign Frederick.

Guy Guzzone

The Senate Budget and Taxation Committee Chairman, D-District 13.

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What they’re saying

“We are here to demand a better path forward.”

— Carin Smith, Founder, Maryland Self-Direction Services

“It's the difference between surviving and thriving. Cuts to self-direction won't just affect the budget, because our individuals, they are not just a line item. They're real people. We're real families. And there are real lives that are affected every single day.”

— B.J. Surhoff

“They feel humanity and the people surrounding them. They feel respect when it is given, and it should be given — not as a choice, but by default for being human.”

— Jessica Gallatin, Board Member, Self-Directed Advocacy Network of Maryland

“I actually sold my photography studio of 25 years, sold my house. I downsized so that I could be available to afford this lifestyle, so I could give my daughter a better life.”

— Amy Gallagher, President, Cool Kids Campaign Frederick

“This was a tough one. It was tough because you never want to be in a position to be pulling back some resources in that community at all.”

— Guy Guzzone, Senate Budget and Taxation Committee Chairman, D-District 13

What’s next

Advocates are seeking state delegates to use a budget surplus to fill the wage cuts and hammer out any differences with the Senate in a conference committee.

The takeaway

The proposed cuts to Maryland's Developmental Disabilities Administration highlight the difficult choices lawmakers must make when balancing budgets, but advocates argue these cuts will have a devastating impact on the lives of vulnerable Marylanders who rely on these critical services.