We are facing an unprecedented threat to DD supports with draconian cuts to funding for people with developmental disabilities and providers of community-based supports.
On Monday Night, please come to Lawyers Mall in Annapolis to join the Maryland DD Coalition Rally to Save Our DD Services. Below is some information:
- Date: Monday, February 3rd, 2025
- Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. (please arrive early to find parking and walk over to the rally location to be there by 7 p.m.)
- Location: Lawyers Mall, Annapolis, MD, directly in front of the State House (100 State Circle)
- Who: Everyone affected by The Governor’s draft budget proposal which contains severe funding cuts for DD services. This includes people with disabilities, their families, providers, and allies.
- Theme: Save Our DD Services.
- Signs: The DD Coalition has designed signs and there should be enough for anyone who wants one. If you are bringing a sign of your own, please be respectful of people with disabilities and our government in your messaging: focus on the humans these changes will impact. Do not bring signs with sticks or handles of any kind.
- What to Wear: It is supposed to be a nice evening (50-60 degrees) so dress accordingly. This is a “White Out”. In solidarity, we encourage everyone to wear white to symbolize our unity and commitment to protecting our services.
- Parking: Information on Annapolis parking can be found here. The two closest garages to Lawyer’s Mall are the Noah Hillman garage and the Gott’s Court garage. There is also 2-hour street parking that can be paid for with the Park Mobile app on your phone.
Legislators typically are in on Monday evenings and have a Monday evening floor session. Please take advantage of the opportunity to visit your representatives’ office to let them know you are in Annapolis for the DD budget cuts. We will have some materials available that evening for you to share, but the most important thing you can share is YOUR STORY of the impact these cuts will have on you and your loved one.
We need as many people as possible to join us for this rally. Your presence is crucial to highlight the impact these cuts will have and to advocate for the services that are so desperately needed. Together, we can send a powerful message to our lawmakers that we will not accept these cuts without a fight.
The proposed budget cuts threaten to devastate the services that countless people and families rely on. We cannot afford to stand by while these critical resources are at risk. It is essential that we come together to make our voices heard and demonstrate the need for support and funding for our community.
For any questions, contact Luc Chausse, Director of Communications and Engagement at The Arc Maryland, at lchausse@thearcmd.org.