Session is Out! The Opportunity to Advocate is Now

Session is out and we are in the middle of summer, but the perfect time to advocate is now.

We’ve experienced many changes over the past few months. These include funding shifts at the federal level to key developments within the Department of Education. Now is the time to speak up for what matters most. Speak up for both federal and state issues. Georgia has started talking about how to handle the problems that are coming. This is especially important because no one knows exactly what will happen next.

The Georgia state legislature has finished their work for the year. Since then, the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD) has been working hard to inform advocates about what's happening at the federal level. On July 4, 2025, the President signed into law the Big Beautiful Bill (HR1). We have been examining how this legislation will impact Georgia’s disability community. One immediate concern is the recent federal freeze on funds allocated to the Department of Education. These funds directly support students with disabilities. This pause could significantly affect students who rely on essential educational and support services.

Adding to this concern, the Office of Planning and Budget (OPB) recently sent a memo to all state agency leaders. That message told them to prepare for potential cuts in federal funding. These funds support critical programs. These programs include Georgia’s Medicaid waivers, which help people with disabilities live more independently and with dignity.

Over the past few years, there has been encouraging momentum in Georgia. The 2023 Senate Study Committee was formed to address the Medicaid waiver waitlist. More recently, the state passed the Dignity in Pay Act. This act ensures that people with disabilities are paid at or above minimum wage. These are huge wins, but now they need to be protected and expanded.

That’s where you come in. Now is the perfect time to remind your state lawmakers how vital these services are for Georgia’s disability community. One unique thing about Georgia’s legislators is that they are considered “part-time legislators.” This means they spend much of the year in their home districts. This makes them more accessible to people living in their districts. Especially those who cannot travel to the State Capitol in Atlanta.

If you’d like to contact your legislator but do not know who that is, GCDD’s Advocacy Tool makes it simple. Once you log in, the tool identifies your elected officials. It then provides a message you can customize and send.

Most lawmakers may not be fully aware of how these issues affect the disability community. Who is better to educate them than you? You are the expert in your own life. Your story matters. Legislators value firsthand experiences, and your voice can drive real change.

GCDD is here to support you every step of the way. We can help you get ready for meetings or come with you when you need support. We want to help you speak up for yourself in the best way possible.

So, while school may be out, advocacy is very much in. Let’s make this summer count!