Why It Matters

McDermottPlus LLC terminated its lobbying relationship with the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) effective August 31, according to a termination filing submitted to Congress. The split comes as the disability services sector faces significant uncertainty following sweeping federal Medicaid cuts enacted earlier this year.

ANCOR paid McDermottPlus $20,000 per quarter during the engagement period that began in the first quarter of 2019, a modest but steady revenue stream for the firm. The organization is a national nonprofit trade association representing more than 1,600 private community providers. ANCOR had an operating budget of $5.3 million.

ANCOR's lobbying focus centered on Medicaid-related issues, particularly home-based services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The organization also advocated for Medicaid reforms and support for direct support professionals. McDermottPlus lobbied on these same issues under the Health Issues and Medicare/Medicaid categories.

Broader Context

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act was signed into law on July 4, 2025, enacting sweeping Medicaid changes through budget reconciliation. The law is projected to result in approximately $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts over the next decade. Approximately 311,000 home care recipients are at risk due to the budget cuts.

ANCOR stated that the sweeping cuts to Medicaid will force millions of Americans off their health care coverage. The organization also stated that the Medicaid cuts will jeopardize access to services that make community inclusion possible for hundreds of thousands of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

McDermottPlus LLC previously represented ANCOR during the Obama-era Congresses (2011–2017).

The Lobbyists

McDermottPlus's lobbying team for ANCOR included four registered representatives with varying levels of congressional experience. Debbie Curtis, a Principal at McDermottPlus, served as a lobbyist for ANCOR and has prior experience working with Rep. Fortney Pete Stark (D-CA-13). Debbie Curtis has committee experience with the House Ways and Means Committee.

Rodney Whitlock, a Vice President at McDermottPlus, served as a lobbyist for ANCOR and has prior experience working with Rep. Charles Norwood (R-GA-10). Whitlock has committee experience with the Senate Finance Committee. Josh Jorgensen, a Director at McDermottPlus, served as a lobbyist for ANCOR and has prior experience working with Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD). Katie Waldo, a Senior Director at McDermottPlus, also served as a lobbyist for ANCOR.

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