We Write Again
The General Assembly chose not to restore funds to the DDA budget. I decided they need to be reminded why that was a bad idea.
Dear [Legislator],
You heard from me more than once during the 2026 legislative session as I asked (along with many others) that the General Assembly restore the funding cuts to the Developmental Disabilities Administration that ultimately made their way into the final 2027 budget. I hope you’re now willing to follow along and take a look at how the budget is impacting DDA participants on the ground.
Remember SB 583 / HB 1593? I’m sure it’s hard to keep track, especially for bills like this one that never made it out of committee. The bill would have required the Deputy Secretary overseeing DDA to provide notice to the public and a window for public comment before making changes to the Self-Directed Services Policy Manual, which outlines the procedures self-directing participants must follow to access their services.
There are plenty of reasons I wish the bill had been successful. I’ll highlight two of them:
This week’s events illustrate the biggest reason SB 583 / HB 1593 was so necessary. On May 12, 2026, DDA posted a new Self-Directed Services Policy Manual with an effective date of May 11, 2026. They dropped a new set of rules that was already in effect by the time those impacted by it could access it. Ask yourself: Would you find that timetable acceptable in any aspect of your personal or professional life?
Every time DDA revises the Self-Directed Services Policy Manual, they end up walking back some part of it because of issues they failed to foresee. Issues their constituents try to bring to their attention. DDA would really benefit from a public comment period (assuming, of course, that they are receptive to feedback from stakeholders).
Meanwhile, DDA has also been holding a series of webinars outlining the salary cuts and other changes taking effect on July 1. When listeners ask why the cuts are happening, the presenters are giving the General Assembly full credit. Their answers have essentially been, “We have no choice. It’s in the state budget."
Disingenuous, no? I followed the budget hearings during the legislative session, so I know that answer tells only half the story. The General Assembly simply rubber stamped the cuts DDA insisted were necessary. Credit should really be shared. People who didn’t follow the budget discussions are much more likely to take DDA at their word, and focus their frustration squarely on the Moore administration and the General Assembly.
That's a masterclass on how politicians can turn an issue that should be as nonpartisan as they come into a liability.
Your most vulnerable constituents deserved better.
[Love, Me]