A Message fromCEO Erik Geizer (Continued)
H I S TOR I CAL BUDGE T OVE RV I EW
These investments are only the start of a much larger conversation about adequately funding equitable wages for our dedicated workforce and ensuring sustained investment in New York’s system of supports and services. Our fight isn’t over, but the landscape has shifted, and we will continue to raise our voices together to achieve lasting support and solutions.
At the beginning of April, the New York state legislature passed the 2022-23 New York State Budget. The $220 billion Enacted Budget includes a 5.4% cost-of- living adjustment (COLA) for the human services field, bonuses of up to $3,000 for frontline staff, expanded eligibility of the Statewide Health Care Transformation Program (SHCFTP) to include community- based I/DD providers, and changes in language so clinical staff can access the Nurses Across New York (NANY) loan repayment program. This is by far the largest investment New York state has made in the I/DD field in over a decade. A plain language breakdown of legislation, including a list of titles eligible for the bonuses, can be found here.
PRA I S I NG THE GOVE RNOR , L EG I S LATUR E & R E PR E S ENTAT I VE S
The Arc New York President John Kowalcyzk and I sent a letter of praise to Governor Hochul, Senate President Pro Tempore and Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, and Assembly Speaker Heastie for their support of the I/DD sector in the FY23 budget. We also created a one-click campaign for people to send their own message to their representatives, thanking them for keeping their promise to support people with I/DD. Despite outside pressures, the ardent advocacy of The Arc New York Network helped them stay the course throughout the budget process. Sending a letter of thanks is a way to let leaders know that their actions matter and remind them of the important work ahead. The letter can be personalized, so senders can tell their stories from the heart.
ADVOCACY CR EAT E S R E SU L T S
This successful budget is due in no small part to the ardent advocacy from The Arc New York family. Since last summer, we have held rallies, garnered media attention, engaged with legislators, and sent more than 17,000 letters calling for significant and sustained investment in essential supports and services for New Yorkers with I/DD. Our voices were finally heard! With this budget, the Hochul administration and the legislature have demonstrated a commitment to the voluntary provider sector, our direct care workforce, and the individuals and families we support.
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