To our Council and Community Members,

This is a statement that I hoped I would not have to write.

As many of you know, the federal budget reconciliation bill (H.R. 1) passed through Congress and signed into law by the President. This bill, also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill”, will cut funding to programs that support healthcare, food assistance, hospitals, disability services, and includes the biggest cuts to Medicaid in United States history.

The first thing you need to know is that we’re not going anywhere.

Our team is here to ride the waves of change alongside you, and to walk you through any critical impacts and challenges that come our way. Disability rights work is community work, and we’re incredibly grateful to have such a powerful community. As we approach the development of our next five-year plan, we are more committed than ever to advocating for systemic change, and helping Coloradans with intellectual and developmental disabilities lead meaningful lives.

This bill is important because when Medicaid funds are cut, millions of people will lose access to health and community care programs, and will face even more barriers to getting health insurance. Hospitals will lose critical resources that keep their doors open, staff paid, and services available, particularly in rural areas. Hundreds of thousands of Coloradans will be impacted by these changes. Without a doubt, this will hurt Coloradans with disabilities.

Read our report to learn more about how this bill will impact Coloradans with disabilities. This report is a living document, and will be updated as new information becomes available.

Like many of you, I am shattered at this moment in our nation’s history. Across the nation, families like mine will lose access to critical support and services that help keep them healthy, safe, and alive in the communities of their choice. My heart breaks for our Councilmembers, their families, and our communities. This fight is about to get harder.

The Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council is made up of powerful advocates with disabilities, as well as family members and caregivers who fight to break down the systemic barriers to independence, care, and community involvement that their loved ones routinely face. Together, we will face these new challenges and co-create solutions that minimize harm as much as possible, while we continue to advocate to improve the rights of people with disabilities. We must take care of each other now, more than ever.

In Community,

Kristina Ericson
Director of Policy