Our State Legislative and Public Policy Advocacy
The Arc Maryland advocates for and supports the rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
The 2012 Public Policy Platform Top Priorities of The Arc in Pursuit of Quality and Justice
Preserve Civil Rights End the Wait Fund Community Programs Close Institutions Real Jobs for Real Pay
2012 General Assembly Highlights Each year The Arc Maryland releases a position statement on our top priority policy issues and the course of action that will be taken during the Legislative session. The effects of the economic crisis and high unemployment being felt by the people we serve clearly shaped the agenda for 2012. Last year’s strategic effort to increase Maryland’s alcohol tax and direct the revenues to the needs of those on the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) Waiting List resulted in a victory thanks to the work of our partners in the Lorraine Sheehan Alcohol Tax Coalition. The 2012 DDA Budget highlighted the importance of the ongoing availability of funds from the Alcohol Tax and serves as a demonstration of our success. The Alcohol Tax will continue to provide positive progress for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Despite the DDA budget victory, the 2012 Legislative Session ended in lack of agreement which provoked the commencement of what is called the “Doomsday Budget” extending the session. Our constituents continued to take action and support our efforts throughout the remaining month. We express our appreciation to the many families, people with disabilities, chapters, staff leaders and board members who devoted many hours to reviewing legislation, presenting testimony, and contacting legislators on behalf of priority legislation and the budget.