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Department of Disabilities secures surcharge increase to stabilize Universal Service Trust Fund and plans new office for disability employment
Summary
Maryland Department of Disabilities told the subcommittee it requested and received a Public Service Commission-approved surcharge increase (from 5¢ to 9¢) to address a projected Universal Service Trust Fund shortfall; the department also outlined plans to create an Office of Disability Employment Advancement and Policy to coordinate state hiring
The Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD) testified Feb. 5 before the Appropriation Subcommittee on Health and Social Services about its fiscal 2026 allowance and key initiatives, including an immediate plan to stabilize the Universal Service Trust Fund (USTF) and a proposal to create a new office focused on disability employment.
DLS analyst Natalia Andrade told the subcommittee MDOD’s FY26 operating budget is projected to rise by about $4.1 million (32.6%) to $16.5 million, driven by new federal grants for inclusion and children’s assistance demonstrations and by increased demand for accessible telecommunications equipment. Andrade’s analysis warned that, at the current 5¢ surcharge per communications service bill, USTF projections showed a deficit beginning in FY26 and a shortfall growing to an estimated $5.0 million by FY29 unless adjustments…
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