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State Council on Developmental Disabilities warns of federal funding threat, seeks reappropriation for supported decision-making
Summary
The State Council on Developmental Disabilities told the committee it may lose federal funding under a leaked OMB plan that would zero out DD councils' federal dollars; the council asked to reappropriate $5 million previously awarded for supported decision-making grants and described contingency plans.
Aaron Carruthers, representing the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, told the subcommittee the council is largely federally funded and that he learned of a leaked Office of Management and Budget proposal that would zero out federal dollars for Developmental Disabilities (DD) Councils nationwide.
Carruthers said the leaked document is not final policy but would, if enacted, eliminate the council's federal funding and funding for many programs serving people with disabilities and older Californians. He said the council is "making contingency plans" because the federal government has not yet released a notice of award for the current federal fiscal year and because the OMB document could presage a presidential proposal affecting FY 2026 awards.
The council also told the committee it has a $5 million one-time appropriation (from the 2022 budget act) for a supported decision-making initiative; Carruthers said most of the grant funds have been awarded but the council needs reappropriation of the remaining dollars to complete grants and contracts and requested limited-term funding authority to finish implementation.
Committee members asked about the proportion of the council's funding that is federal and whether federal funds are flexible. Council representatives said the federal portion is substantial and that federal funds are flexible for the council's independent advocacy work, while some contract reimbursements from DDS are separate. Department of Finance officials said the administration is monitoring federal developments but could not specify contingencies until federal awards are issued.
No formal legislative action was taken at the hearing; the council asked the subcommittee to note the federal risk and to consider reappropriation of remaining supported-decision-making funds so current grants and capacity-building work can be completed.
