The Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council, which is federally funded, monitors the Commonwealth's compliance with the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act. The Council coordinates Massachusetts's plan for developmental disability programs and collects and disburses federal developmental disability grants.

In June, 1997, in an effort to improve services for people with developmental disabilities, Governor Weld signed an executive order eliminating the Administering Agency for Developmental Disabilities and transferring its functions to the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council. This administrative change will increase flexibility and enhance the Council's ability to respond to the priorities and needs of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Budget Recommendations

Because it is federally funded, the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council does not receive a budgetary appropriation from the Commonwealth. Federal grant funding for Fiscal Year 1999 is expected to be approximately $1.93 million.

Federal Grant Spending

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE FEDERAL DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES ACT
1100-1703	For the purposes of a federally funded grant entitled, Implementation of the Federal Developmental Disabilities Act; provided, that in order to qualify for said grant, this item shall be exempt from $102,623 of fringe benefit and indirect cost charges pursuant to section 6B of chapter 29 of the General Laws	1,530,348

MASSACHUSETTS DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES COUNCIL SERVICE GRANT
1100-1710	For the purposes of a federally funded grant entitled, Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council Service Grant; provided, that in order to qualify for said grant, this item shall be exempt from $83,089 in fringe benefit and indirect cost charges pursuant to section 6B of chapter 29 of the General Laws	400,000
	Non-Budgetary Funds 100%