Legislative Breakfast Highlights Shared Commitment to Communities with Disabilities

During a recent Maryland Association of Community Services (MACS) legislative breakfast held in Annapolis, MD, that brings together community leaders and lawmakers, MACS Executive Director Laura Howell highlighted their commitment to strengthening the system in serving individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Esteemed legislative officials joined the important discussion, including:

· Secretary Laura Herrera-Scott, Maryland Department of Health

· Deputy Secretary Marlana Hutchinson, Developmental Disabilities Administration

· Delegate Bonnie Cullison, Vice-Chair, House Health and Government Operations Committee

· Delegate Emily Shetty, Chair, Health and Social Services Sub-Committee (House Budget)

· Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk, Chair, House Health and Government Operations Committee

· Senator Cory McCray, Chair, Health and Human Services Sub-Committee (Senate Budget)

· Senator Craig Zucker, Chair, Capital Budget Sub-Committee (Senate Budget)

· Senator Guy Guzzone, Chair, Senate Budget and Taxation Committee

· Senator Kathy Klausmeier, Vice-Chair, Senate Finance Committee

· Delegate Pam Guzzone- District 13

· Delegate Catherine Forbes- District 43B

· Delegate Kristopher Fair- District 3

· Senator Malcolm Augustine District 47

· Delegate Michael Rogers District 32

· Delegate Christopher Tomplinson- District 5

· Delegate Jamilia Woods District 26

· Senator Shelly Hettleman District 11

· Delegate Mark Chang District 32

Representing Service Coordination programs and people served, Chief Program Officer Tenneille Aleshire, Chief Strategy Officer Kelby Brick, and Vice President of Coordination of Community Services Jamie Stoner were pleased to participate in this collaborative platform for open dialogue and progress on behalf of communities. Lawmakers and speakers emphasized the importance of policies supporting individuals with disabilities that reflect vital needs and noted that despite current budgetary challenges, Governor Wes Moore has proposed a 3% increase in the rate for providers of community services.

The Department of Health’s Secretary Herrera-Scott championed resources for providers, sharing, “You can’t hurt providers and presume that individuals will continue to receive great services.” Secretary Scott also noted that the Department of Health is committed to filling staff vacancies and streamlining processes to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of eligibility, access, and other key community-facing functions. This includes plans to enhance system design and automation.

The MACS legislative breakfast concluded with opportunities for relationship building and an emphasis on the power of collaboration between lawmakers, community partners, people served, and care providers.

Service Coordination is driven by a commitment to provide choices, connections, and a sense of community to those we serve, so individuals of all abilities can thrive. Learn more about how we can support you or a person in your community here.