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WHAT THE I/DD SERVICE SECTOR NEEDS IN THE FY 2026 STATE BUDGET 

SYSTEM SUSTAINABILITY
7.8% Medicaid Rate Increase
Following decades of underfunding, critical investments are needed to support the non-profit care services sector. A 7.8% Medicaid rate increase in the state budget is needed to combat the substantial inflationary growth over the past year, leaving non-profit providers lacking the resources necessary to meet demand. 
Over the past year, the increasing costs associated with mandated fringe benefits, repairs and maintenance, utilities, food, supplies, transportation, and insurance have financially strained provider agencies. These cost increases are compounded by the fact that I/DD provider agencies rely solely on Medicaid funding, leaving them unable to increase reimbursement for services to compensate for increased costs of operations. Investment is needed to address these financial burdens and ensure sustained support for these essential care services.
Enhanced Capital Funding
Non-profit provider agencies are also in desperate need of enhanced capital funding to help modernize their operations, making them more energy-efficient and in alignment with the state’s climate goals. Upgrades would not only help providers reduce energy costs and improve operations, but they would make the facilities where the I/DD community works and lives adequate.
WORKFORCE SUSTAINABILITY
Creation of a Wage Commission
The creation of a wage commission is needed to examine the roles and responsibilities of human service workers and establish fair, sustainable compensation standards commensurate with their work. As highly skilled professionals dedicated to the essential care of individuals with I/DD, DSPs take on numerous critical responsibilities to uplift the safety, productivity, and well-being of the entire I/DD community. 
DSPs are responsible for providing important practical & administrative support such as first aid & CPR, administering medication, meal preparation or transport facilitation, as well as, attending to the comprehensive social, emotional, & psychological needs of those they care for. Whether it’s teaching personal care skills and money management or directing crisis de-escalation, DSPs are required to be well trained, skilled, and constantly prepared for all the essential life-support services their profession demands.
Through their fundamental support & services, DSPs are integral pillars of support for New York’s I/DD community and are crucial in ensuring that over 130,000 New Yorkers with I/DD can live their highest quality of life. 
Over the past few years, OPWDD has provided significant increases to their own DSP workforce who provide the same supports and services to the same population. Currently, OPWDD employed DSPs make up to $10/per hour more than their non-profit counterparts despite doing the same job. The creation of a wage commission is essential to ensure that DSPs at non-profit provider agencies are adequately compensated for their roles.

There are 3 priorities we are fighting for as part of the state effort.

Reflecting on our 2023 efforts, we have led the way with 2 Legislative Forums with our Senate and Assembly representatives with respect to the NYS 2025 Budget FACT SHEET: NY Disability Advocates 2025 Budget Priorities. This is a good start. We must continue to keep the pressure on and we need your help. Please join with us in sending messages to the Governor and our Legislators beginning NOW!

Investment Campaign

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Reflecting on our 2023 efforts, we have led the way with 2 Legislative Forums with our Senate and Assembly representatives with respect to the NYS 2025 Budget FACT SHEET: NY Disability Advocates 2025 Budget Priorities. This is a good start. We must continue to keep the pressure on and we need your help. Please join with us in sending messages to the Governor and our Legislators beginning NOW!

WRITE TO GOVERNOR HOCHUL TODAY!