Download 2026 MACDDS Legislative Priorities PDF
PROTECT THE FUTURE OF MISSOURI’S MOST VULNERABLE CITIZENS
People with IDD need community-based supports that are stable and available. Stable funding ensures programs like employment training, residential care, daily living skills training, case management, and therapies continue to meet growing needs. These services not only protect vulnerable Missourians, they provide a great return on taxpayer investment.
- Families remain stable, avoiding costly crises.
- Individuals with IDD contribute to the workforce and live with minimal supports in their communities.
- Community-based services prevent higher state costs such as institutionalization, emergency room visits, and/or homelessness.
County SB40 DD Boards help build community-based supports and help prevent more costly institutional-based services.
2026 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
Safeguard Property Taxes
County property tax levies are proactive investments, saving money by building healthier, more sustainable communities. A reduction in property tax revenue would have profound and lasting negative consequences for individuals with IDD. County Boards are accountable to local communities and are best positioned to oversee these funds and ensure they meet local needs. Preserving county funding prevents service disruptions and avoids higher costs to the state.
Eliminate the Waiver Waitlist
Fully fund waiver services in the initial DDD budget to ensure immediate access to critical supports. Reliance on supplemental funding creates gaps, delays, and costly inefficiencies. Protecting people with IDD and supporting families requires predictable, sustainable funding—not stopgap measures.
This line item is found in the DDD Division Budget within HB10, Sec. 10.410.
Build Sustainable Solutions
The current service system is underfunded, but the solution must be designed for long-term stability. Outside of the Department of Mental Health, MACDDS members are the largest funders of IDD services and must have a central role in any systems change. A sustainable model requires collaboration and shared responsibility.
