In Summary
- After an initial proposal threatened $80.7 million in cuts, Missouri’s final FY2027 budget protected critical disability services, thanks in part to advocacy from Missouri’s disability community.
- But even though the cuts were avoided, this year’s budget means there is little room for growth in services, which will cause a waitlist this year for many essential services.
- Disability services benefit everyone by promoting independence, helping caregivers stay in the workforce and strengthening Missouri’s economy.
When Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed the FY2027 budget into law in June 2026, many people saw it as just another news headline.
But for hundreds of thousands of Missourians with disabilities and their families, it meant something much more. It meant critical programs could continue after an initial budget proposal threatened to cut $80.7 million in funding for disability services.
The proposed budget cut was the first since COVID, so it made for a different, more challenging budget cycle in recent memory, and one that mobilized the state’s disability community to act and fight for the funding to be restored.
The experience showed there is more work to be done on the value of disability services funding. In the upcoming budget season, we will continue our work to show disability services are not just a line item on a budget. These services are a lifeline for people with disabilities and their families, ensuring everyone can live and thrive in our community. Equally important, funding for disability services makes communities and their economies stronger.
Why Investing in Disability Services Benefits Everyone
It's easy to think disability funding only affects people receiving services, but research shows these investments strengthen Missouri's workforce, economy and communities:
- Every $1 invested in services and support for Missourians with developmental disabilities generates $3.81 in local economic activity.*
- State investments totaling $1.6 billion in Developmental Disability Waiver services between FY2022 and FY2024 contributed approximately $6 billion to Missouri's economy.*
- Day services help caregivers remain in the workforce by providing reliable support for their loved ones. Without those services, many caregivers must reduce their work hours or leave the workforce entirely.
Simply put, communities are better and richer when we include everyone and people with disabilities are able to lead independent lives. Policies that promote this idea also boost our economy, so residents across the state can prosper.
One in four Americans have a disability, so whether you have someone in your life with a disability or not, these services and cuts to them, impact us all.
How the Disability Community Mobilized to Protect Critical Funding
Flash back to the start of the budget cycle, Missouri was facing lower-than-expected revenue projections, forcing the General Assembly to make some difficult decisions.
The proposed budget cut of $80.7 million meant services that help people with disabilities live independently, find employment and fully participate in their communities were at risk.
The issue mobilized the disability community to speak to legislators and make our voices heard in a variety of ways. Our board members and other Easterseals Midwest groups made nearly weekly visits to Jefferson City to share real-world stories about why these services are so crucial.
One group of self-advocates from Joplin, Mo., spoke to legislators about how Medicaid funding through the Division of Developmental Disabilities budget has given them access to life-changing Easterseals Midwest services:
- Rebecca Maynard, a young woman with autism, shared services like transportation have helped her maintain a job and focus on her health goals–she has lost 288 pounds which she says is a result of the support and services she receives.
- Breanna Houston, a person with hydrocephalus, says before she received services, she had fewer friends and opportunities, and she felt isolated. Through Easterseals Midwest services, she’s learned important communication skills, gained confidence, and found her voice, which has allowed her to volunteer and give back to her community.
- As a man with autism, Jordan Bellairs said the services have given him opportunities he never thought he would have. He’s now able to go grocery shopping on a budget and make his simple meals.
In addition to the group visits, we also joined approximately 1,200 people at the Missouri Capitol at the 25th annual Disability Rights Legislative Day Feb. 25, 2026 for a rally and legislative visits.
And it made a difference. Our voices were heard along with the thousands of other Missourians who advocated for the disability community. While the final budget remained relatively flat, lawmakers listened and ultimately avoided the proposed cut, preserving critical services for thousands of Missourians.
Why Our Work Isn’t Done
We're incredibly grateful that these cuts were avoided and we consider the budget Governor Kehoe signed into law a win.
But the final budget also means there is no growth in our services this year. Although the Division of Developmental Disabilities is not currently operating on a waiting list, estimates show the need may exceed the available service ‘slots’ by 950 people or more over the course of the year.
We've seen the negative impacts of cuts and waiting lists before. One example is the ongoing shortage of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). Medicaid reimbursement rates have not kept up with the cost of providing services, making it difficult for wages to remain competitive and keep DSPs in the workforce.
When there aren't enough professionals to provide community-based support, people with developmental disabilities may remain in hospitals or intermediate care facilities longer than necessary, something that can cost the state up to three times more than the alternative.
How You Can Help
The state budget is critical to the work we do and the people we serve. We will do everything in our power to protect disability services in the years to come. It’s ensuring all people in our community have the chance to live an independent life.
If you’re also passionate about supporting services for people with disabilities, visit our Advocacy Action Center to learn how you can help.
If you’d like to support in other ways, please consider donating to Easterseals Midwest.
*Source: Starling and UMKC Institute for Human Development, December 2025.
