Hello community, I’m Stephanie Clark (sign name SC). Brown pony tail hair, black long-sleeved shirt, earrings, light skinned, woman. As MSAD President, I’d like to let our community know that there is a public hearing at the State House in Boston on Monday, April 10th on the Executive Office of Health and Human Services which is under Governor Healy’s Fy ’24 Budget Proposal. Governor Healy proposed 55.5 billion dollars that will be voted by legislators. The Executive Office of Health and Human Services’ budget is $428,040,103 million dollars. There are 11 state agencies under EOHHS (Department of Elder Affairs, Department of Public Health, Department of Children and Families, Department of Transitional Assistance, Department of Developmental Services, Department of Mental Health, Department of Youth Services, Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Office for Refugees and Immigrants). (and MassHealth programs) In this link, you will see all state agencies’ budget, including MCDHH. Do review the PPT that explains the goals of each agency of how they will spend their budget. download (mass.gov) On Monday, April 10th, 2023 at 11:00am, the Joint Committee on Ways and Means will allow the public to share their testimonies and comments about Governor Healy’s budget plan. This is in person at Gardner Auditorium at the State House in Boston. If you want to testify and comment and make recommendations to legislators on the EOHHS budget (i.e. having more culturally appropriate staff who have lived experiences as Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafDisabled, DeafBlind, and Late Deafened to work at state agencies such as DCF, MCDHH, MCB, DDS, EOA, etc.) or if you want to add services that are missing such as support for Deaf Elders. This is the time for you to come and testify. Process: You must register to Testify first. Please fill out this form: Register to Testify – FY2024 Budget Proposal (google.com) do this ASAP so your name is on their list and they will call you to testify. If you do not add your name to this list, you may not have the opportunity to share your concerns and recommendations. For those who are unable to come to Boston State House in person. Great news! You can testify remotely! Fill out the form above and be sure to write down “Virtually”. Do share your comments remotely as your story is important and it’s important that the legislators know what you need to have an equitable experience as a Massachusetts resident. Thank you, SC