Advocacy
Your Advocacy is Needed! (Updated 3/3/2026)
The proposed Fiscal Year 2027 State Budget includes cuts to Development Disability (DD) Services, and we must make it clear to legislators that NO CUTS are acceptable.
Advocacy is needed from everyone who cares about Developmental Disabilities (DD) Services in Missouri.
Governor Kehoe’s proposed State Budget includes cuts to Day Services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. While this is only the first step in the budget process, decisions made now will shape what happens next. Lawmakers need to hear directly from families, direct support professionals, and community members that these services matter and must be protected.
Click here to download the Missouri Budget Committee contact list to thank its members for advocating no cuts to DD services.
Not sure about who your legislators are? Click here to locate by address.
Click here for Jefferson County-only legislator contact information.
Please take a moment to click the link below from our partners at Starling that will guide you to email your State Representative and State Senator now through February 10th. The message is clear: No cuts to DD services in Missouri.
Email your legislator from here.
Downloadable PDFs
Pony Bird is also asking individuals and families to share their stories and/or why services are important to them. Believe it or not, snail mail is actually a great avenue for this.
- Mail letters/cards to legislators’ Capitol office addresses
- A sample letter can be found here.
- Include a family photo/photo of the individual (with permission).
- A list of mailing addresses for all Missouri State Representatives and Senators can be downloaded here.
- Personal stories make a powerful impact, and this is a great way to engage your organization’s strongest supporters!
Thank you for sticking up for people with intellectual developmental disabilities, their families, and your Pony Bird family. Your advocacy always matters, especially right now!