Governor Hogan’s FY 2021 Budget Released
Highlights of Interest to Individuals with Developmental Disabilities and their Families
Governor Hogan released his FY 2021 proposed budget last week, which covers the period July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021. Below are highlights of particular interest to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. The FY 2021 state operating budget totals $47.9 billion, which includes General Funds (state funds), Federal Funds, and Special Funds (revenues from a designated source). The Department of Legislative Services produces reports for the various budget hearings, which will provide a greater depth of information. See below for budget hearing dates.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE)
$25.2 million for services for children with autism. This increase of $1.9 million adds 100 slots so that more children with autism receive services through the Autism Waiver. There are 5300 children on the Autism Waiver Registry.
$94 million for public pre-kindergarten education.
$10.4 million for the Maryland Infants & Toddlers Program — the same funding level as FY 2020.
$10 million for the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Program. BOOST provides scholarships to students to attend private schools. Students with disabilities who enroll in private schools do not have the protections of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). That means the private school does not have to provide the services and supports he or she needs.
More than $350 million to fund education initiatives based on recommendations of the Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education (Kirwan Commission) and required by legislative action in 2019.
MSDE’s FY 2021 proposed budget totals $7.3 billion.
Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
The overall budget for community services increased by $48.5 million in total funds for FY 2021, which includes a 2% rate increase for service providers. Below is the Governor’s proposed budget of state funding.
Note: The number of people who will be served are estimates.
$7,631,400 for Transitioning Youth services. This will provide employment or day supports for all eligible youth transitioning from school in FY 2021. DDA projects that approximately 593 transitioning youth will be served.
$789,747 to support people in emergency situations. An estimated 25 people will receive services.
$4,773,242 to provide services to approximately 275 people in the Crisis Resolution priority category on the DDA waiting list. There are over 4,300 people on the waiting list in different priority categories.
$734,270 from the Waiting List Equity Fund to support approximately 27 people on the waiting list with the oldest caregivers.
$993,109 to provide services to approximately 28 young adults aging out of Department of Social Services placements.
$4,543,672 for Low Intensity Support Services.
$10,000,000 for the Community Support Waiver, to provide continued funding for non-residential services in the community for 400 people. This waiver is capped at $25,000 per person/per year.
$4,800,000 for the Individual & Family Support Waiver, to provide continued funding for 400 children under age 21 and their families and supplement what is provided through MSDE and other service systems for people age 21 and under. This waiver is capped at $12,000 per person/per year.
$25,000,000 for a 2% rate increase for DDA service providers. This amount falls short of the mandated 4% rate increase provided by the minimum wage legislation in 2019.
Additional funds are included to continue providing services for people receiving services in FY 2020.
DDA’s FY 2021 proposed Community Services budget totals $1,347,856,751.
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FOR MORE DETAILS
Overall Budget Highlights are here.
DDA Budget details are here, starting on page 146.
MSDE Budget details are here, starting on page 453.
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RELATED DATES
2020 Developmental Disabilities Day at the Legislature is February 12!
Registration is full. Stay tuned for updates and information.
DDA Budget Hearings:
House – Health & Social Services Committee:
February 26 at 1 pm
House Office Building, Room 145
Senate – Health & Human Services Committee:
February 27 at 1 pm
Senate Office Building, William Amoss Room
Maryland State Department of Education Budget Hearings:
Early Childhood Development Budget
House – Education & Economic Development Subcommittee:
February 3 at 3 pm
House Office Building, Room 150
Senate – Education, Business & Administration Subcommittee:
January 30 at 1 pm
Senate Office Building, Room 3
Aid to Education Budget
House – Education & Economic Development Subcommittee:
March 2 at 3 pm
House Office Building, Room 150
Senate – Education, Business & Administration Subcommittee:
February 27 at 1 pm
Senate Office Building, Room 3
For a full hearing schedule, click here.
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.