Govenor and Comptroller Encourage Marylanders to Support Tax Check Off for Developmental Disabilities

Reproduced from The Maryland Department of Disabilities

ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 13, 2011) - Beginning in 2011, Marylanders across the state can make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities.   All they have to do is mark the Developmental Disabilities Waiting List Tax check off box on their 2010 State Personal Income Tax and 100 percent of their donation will go to support the Developmental Disabilities Administration's (DDA) Waiting List Fund.  With one small act, they can ensure that children and adults can receive job training and employment, opportunities to live in the community and crisis intervention. 

"The O'Malley/Brown Administration believes in the dignity of every individual and we are united in our understanding that what we choose to do in our own lifetime matters," said Governor Martin O'Malley.  "The Developmental Disabilities Waiting List tax check off is an outstanding opportunity for Marylanders to make a difference in the lives of our friends and neighbors across the State."   REA

"Marylanders have a long and proud heritage of working together to improve the quality of life for all members of the community," said Comptroller Peter Franchot.  "The Developmental Disabilities Waiting List tax check off is the perfect opportunity for people to reach out and support our friends with special needs."

In Maryland, thousands of children and adults with developmental disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome are on the waiting list for services from the Developmental Disabilities Administration.  In 2010, the Maryland General Assembly passed and Governor O'Malley signed legislation that created an opportunity for Maryland taxpayers to voluntarily make donations that would be used for services needed by people with developmental disabilities through a new income tax form check-off box.  The tax donations will provide additional financial support for DDA-funded services.  These supports, which include services for children,  physical therapy, job training and employment, respite care and opportunities to live in the community, will be provided by non-profit organizations such as The Arc chapters and United Cerebral Palsy and paid for by the State of Maryland.

The DD Waiting List Tax Check off took effect July 1, 2010 and applies to all taxable years beginning after December 31, 2010.  For more information about services provided by the Developmental Disabilities Administration, visit www.dhmh.maryland.gov.  For tax related information, visit the Maryland Comptroller's Office website at www.comp.state.md.us.  For more disability related information, visit the Maryland Department of Disabilities website at www.mdod.maryland.gov.

Contact:                  

Andrea Thomas Harrison

MD Department of Disabilities
 410-767-3654
  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

Joseph Shapiro
Comptroller's Office

410-260-7305

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