The proposed $150 million in cuts to the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) services are not just numbers on a budget sheet — they represent real people, real families, and real lives that will be directly affected. These reductions would destabilize essential supports that individuals with developmental disabilities rely on every single day to live safely, participate in their communities, and maintain dignity and independence.
Weakening or underfunding Self-Direction doesn’t just change a program — it takes away stability, choice, and security for participants who already navigate significant challenges.
This is a moment where your voice truly matters.
Please use the fillable templates provided to contact your legislators and urge them to:
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Oppose the proposed DDA budget cuts
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Protect critical community-based services
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Preserve the integrity and long-term sustainability of the self-directed program
When using the templates, make sure to fill in all the necessary blanks and really tell your story and what self-direction means to you. You can also add a picture in the bottom right near the closing information to add more personality to your letter.
To make it as easy as possible to take action, we’ve included the following resources for you to use. Each fillable template is tailored to different audiences and includes space to personalize your message:
- Participant Letter Template – for individuals receiving services
- Family Member Letter Template – for parents, guardians, and loved ones
- Direct Support Professional (DSP) Letter Template – for professionals supporting individuals with developmental disabilities
- Sample Letter – an example message you may reference when writing to your Delegate or Senator
Please take action today and send your messages to:
Joseline Pena-Melnyk – joseline.pena.melnyk@house.maryland.gov
Ben Barnes – ben.barnes@house.maryland.gov
Emily K. Shetty – emily.shetty@house.maryland.gov
Guy J. Guzzone – guy.guzzone@senate.maryland.gov
Cory V. McCray – cory.mccray@senate.maryland.gov
Heather Bagnall – heather.bagnall@house.maryland.gov
Lesley J. Lopez – lesley.lopez@house.maryland.gov
Pam Beidle – pamela.beidle@senate.maryland.gov
Antonio Hayes – antonio.hayes@senate.maryland.gov
Dana C. Jones – dana.jones@house.maryland.gov
James C. Hinebaugh Jr. – jim.hinebaugh@house.maryland.gov
Aletheia R. McCaskill – aletheia.mccaskill@house.maryland.gov
Malcolm P. Ruff – malcolm.ruff@house.maryland.gov
Joshua Stonko – joshua.stonko@house.maryland.gov
Terri Hill – terri.hill@house.maryland.gov
Matt Morgan – matt.morgan@house.maryland.gov
Samuel Rosenberg – samuel.rosenberg@house.maryland.gov
Tom Hutchinson – tom.hutchinson@house.maryland.gov
Ashanti Martinez – ashanti.martinez@house.maryland.gov
Teresa Woorman – teresa.woorman@house.maryland.gov
J.B. Jennings – jb.jennings@senate.maryland.gov
Craig J. Zucker – craig.zucker@senate.maryland.gov
Malcolm Augustine – malcolm.augustine@senate.maryland.gov
Thank you for standing with individuals with developmental disabilities and the families who love and support them. Your advocacy right now can help prevent real harm and preserve a system built on dignity, inclusion, and choice.