|
Governor Hogan released his FY 2022 proposed budget last week, which covers the period July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022. Below you will find highlights of particular interest to people with developmental disabilities and their families. The FY 2022 state operating budget totals $49.4 billion, the majority of which is General Funds (state funds), Federal Funds, and Special Funds (revenues from a designated source). The budget analysts with the Department of Legislative Services will produce reports for the various budget hearings, which will provide a lot more information. See below for budget hearing dates.
HIGHLIGHTS
Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE)
Less than $1 million increase in funding for the Autism Waiver to cover the increased cost of services. 1,200 children with autism receive services through the Autism Waiver and there are more than 5,400 children on the Autism Waiver Registry.
$26.6 million in State funds for public prekindergarten education.
$10.4 million for the Maryland Infants & Toddlers Program--the same funding level as FY 2021.
$10 million for the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Program. BOOST provides scholarships to students to attend private schools. Most private schools do not have to comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) so even if a student with a disability enrolls, the private school does not have to provide the services and supports he or she needs.
$140.8 million in State and Federal funds for the Child Care Scholarship Program, which helps eligible families pay for child care.
$213.7 million in hold-harmless grants to ensure every county (or school system) receives more funding for education than in FY 2021 even if less students are enrolled.
MSDE's FY 2022 proposed budget totals $7.5 billion.
Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
More than $1.4 billion in support for developmental disabilities community services, including $25.6 million to expand services and reduce the waiting list, and a $10 million deficiency for FY 2021 to specifically address ongoing costs related to COVID-19.
$51.2 million to continue the provider rate increase implemented on January 1, 2021.
$20 million to support Appendix K (flexibility in law and service provision due to COVID) funding.
Note: The numbers of people who will be served are estimates.
$23 million for Transitioning Youth services. This will provide employment or day supports for all eligible youth transitioning from school to employment or day supports in FY 2022. DDA projects that approximately 600 transitioning youth will be served. (General + Federal Funds)
$2.37 million to support people in emergency situations. An estimated 39 people will receive services. (General + Federal Funds)
$13.7 million to provide services to approximately 296 people on the waiting list, including 53 people in the Crisis Resolution priority category and 171 people in the Crisis Prevention priority category. There are over 3,000 people on the waiting list in different priority categories. (General + Federal Funds)
$6.3 million from the Waiting List Equity Fund to support approximately 38 people on the waiting list, usually those with the oldest caregivers. (Special Funds)
$4.1 million to provide services to approximately 21 young adults aging out of Department of Social Services placements (General + Federal Funds). This category of funding is important so that DDA doesn't have to tap funds from other categories to meet these priorities.
$5.5 million for Low Intensity Support Services to serve approximately 2,000 people. (General Funds)
Continued funding for the Community Support Waiver and the Family Support Waiver. (General + Federal Funds)
Additional funds are included to continue providing services for people receiving services in FY 2021.
DDA's FY 2022 Community Services budget totals nearly $1.5 billion.
BUDGET HEARING DATES
DDA Budget Hearings:
House & Senate
March 5, 2021 at 1:30 pm
Via Zoom
MD State Dept. of Education Budget Hearings:
Early Childhood Development Budget
House & Senate
February 18, 2021 at 1:30 pm
Via Zoom
Aid to Education Budget
House & Senate
March 3, 2021 at 3:00 pm
Via Zoom
For a weekly list of bills monitored by the Council, including our positions, go to our website and stay tuned to our social media pages.
Stay informed and have an impact on these important issues.
| 
