Question 2 on the Massachusetts ballot this November 2 would repeal the state’s primary affordable housing law. The Arc of Massachusetts has joined a growing coalition of organizations and individuals urging citizens to vote “no” on 2 to protect the affordable housing.

The law has helped thousands throughout the Commonwealth attain housing. Over the past decade, more than 58,000 homes have been created for working families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.

The Vote No on 2 Campaign has come together to ensure the law is not repealed. The campaign comprises a coalition of more than 400 organizations and thousands of individuals committed to protecting this law. All three major candidates for governor agree we should all vote no on 2 and support affordable housing in the Commonwealth.

For more info or to get involved, go to www.protectaffordablehousing.org.

We hope that an important request will be arriving this week on the desk of Governor Deval Patrick.  He will have to decide between individuals with disabilities losing their housing and submitting a deficiency budget.  Click "read more" to see the potential cuts on last budget link - Governor's Vetoes and Final Budget.

The Arc IN Massachusetts is happy to co-sponsor “The Americans with Disabilities Act 20th Anniversary Celebration”.  We encourage you to attend.  Please be prepared for weather conditions.

It will be held on Monday, July 26th, 2010, 12-3pm

Get updated on CommonHealth change, DDS Waivers, FMAP and other information.  CommonHealth members have 2 weeks to choose a primary care clinician or managed care plan.  See our update on a webinar on the DDS waivers and more...

Governor Patrick has cut all FMAP funding assumptions from the budget and some general fund allocations for a total of $457 Million in vetoes to the Conference Committee Report of the Legislature.  Of that amount, $372 Million is from FMAP reductions.  However we are not sure when implementation will begin. Stay tuned on this important update.  You can see revised estimates on cuts through the link below.

Deep, destructive cuts to services for people with disabilities WILL happen UNLESS the Senate takes action…. and they will only act if they hear from you. The cuts proposed in the House would mean 1,000 people and families losing essential services through the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) and other agencies starting July 1. Protect your loved ones. Email and call your Senator now. DELIBERATIONS WILL END SOON. See our Main Budget Page for all the latest information and materials.

Community Supports and Services did not receive any new funds as of 5pm on April 28.  We worry about possible impact.  Friends in the House tried a number of times to secure more assistance.  Chair Murphy has warned there is no additional revenue to allocate.  See here for a complete analsyis, including a detailed budget chart. . See the link below for amendment co-sponsors.

Tim Evans, whose brother has a disability, is setting out to climb all 48 four-thousand+ foot mountains within the White Mountains chain over the next year and a half on behalf of people with disabilities. By doing this, he intends to raise awareness about developmental disabilities and collect donations for The Arc. Please show him your support and help his goal to raise money for disability awareness. See the link below to visit his Facebook page and contribute.