ANNAPOLIS, MD—The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Coalition, which includes The Arc Maryland, Disability Rights Maryland, Maryland Association of Community Services (MACS), Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council, and People on the Go Maryland, will hold a crucial rally in Lawyers Mall in Annapolis on Monday night to highlight the impact of the proposed $457 million budget cut to developmental disabilities services.

Organizers say the proposed budget cuts threaten to devastate critical resources for more than 18,000 Marylanders with developmental disabilities, their families, and the network of community providers that many rely on.

A Washington Post poll published January 31 found that 74% of the Maryland registered voters polled are against this massive budget cut targeting developmental disabilities services.

Hundreds of people affected by these cuts – including people with disabilities, families, community providers, and advocates as well as Maryland lawmakers – are expected to gather to save services and to oppose the proposed budget cuts.

Among those in attendance will be Laura Howell, chief executive officer, Maryland Association of Community Services; Ande Kolp, executive director, The Arc Maryland; Mat Rice, executive director, People on the Go Maryland; Ken Capone, policy director, The Arc Maryland; Rachel London, executive director, Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council; and Meghan Marsh, executive director, Disability Rights Maryland.

The event will be held 7:00 – 8:15 p.m. on Monday, February 3, 2025 at Lawyers Mall in Annapolis.