Budget Negotiations Create a Key Advocacy Opportunity

By Marisa Geitner 

As New York state leaders continue working toward a finalized budget, negotiations remain active around several important priorities. This ongoing dialogue reflects the complexity of balancing statewide needs and presents an important opportunity to elevate issues that matter deeply to people with disabilities and the organizations that support them. 

Earlier this year, family advocates from across New York shared concerns about rising costs, workforce pressures and the urgent need for greater investment in direct support staffing. Many of you may have reached out to state legislators directly. We are hopeful that collective advocacy helped influence proposals that include a targeted inflationary increase and additional funding for the direct support workforce. 

As negotiations continue this month, timing is critical. Now is the moment to contact your state senator and assembly member and urge them to fight for these essential funding priorities. Your voice matters, especially right now. 

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