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Advocating in Annapolis: Progress, Momentum, and What’s Next
This legislative session, The Coordinating Center has been actively engaged in advocacy efforts across Maryland to support people with disabilities and complex medical needs. From working with partners to sharing real stories, our focus has remained on protecting access to essential services and supports.
For the second year in a row, disability services faced major budget cuts in Maryland. Alongside our partners in the Developmental Disabilities Coalition and advocates across Maryland, we worked together to lessen the harm these cuts could cause.
Because of strong, collective advocacy, lawmakers listened. The General Assembly and Governor restored $59.1 million to the DDA budget. This included $23.1 million for FY 2027 and $36 million to help cover a funding gap in FY 2026. No other issue in the state budget saw more funding restored.
While some cuts still moved forward and will affect many people with developmental disabilities, their families, and the provider community, The Coordinating Center remains fully committed to our work. These budget decisions do not change our services or our dedication to supporting the people and families we serve.
Beyond the budget, we stayed deeply engaged throughout the session tracking more than 100 bills and taking action on nearly half. Our advocacy focused on five key areas: affordable and accessible housing, Medicaid and home and community‑based services protections, continuity of services for families in transition, health coverage and medical supports and employment and economic stability. Among the bills that passed this session (with amendments) is SB 742 / HB 1445 – Maryland Protecting People With Disabilities Act, a major systems‑accountability and continuity‑of‑care victory!
SB 742 / HB 1445:
- protects people from losing Medicaid and HCBS services due to administrative delays
- requires continuation of services during appeals
- mandates reinstatement when disenrollment is caused by agency error
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