New York lawmakers and advocates push for increased funding for disability services (NY Senate)
New York legislators and disability advocates are calling for increased investment and support for New Yorkers with disabilities, highlighting the need to address decades of underfunding that has strained non-profit providers.
Senator Fahy, Chair of the Senate Disabilities Committee,
“As new Chair of the Senate Disabilities Committee, I’m looking forward to ensuring that New Yorkers living with disabilities and their families receive the support, services, and opportunities they need to thrive,” said Senator Fahy (D—Albany), Chair of the Senate Disabilities Committee. “New York must invest in a meaningful 7.8% system investment, a Human Services Wage Commission, and in expanding opportunities for employment by increasing the Workers with Disabilities Tax Credit—both critical steps in addressing workforce shortages, prioritizing jobs for workers with disabilities, and improving the quality of care for the New Yorkers who depend on these critical services. As negotiations surrounding the final FY2025-26 state budget progress, I look forward to working with our large coalition of advocates, my Assembly counterpart, Angelo Santabarbara, and legislative colleagues to craft a budget reflective of the needs of New Yorkers living with disabilities and their families.”
Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara, Chair of the New York State Assembly’s Committee on People with Disabilities, emphasized the importance of direct support professionals and non-profit providers. He said,
“This is not just a funding issue—it’s about dignity, opportunity, and respect,””We must take bold action to stabilize the direct care system, invest in our workforce, and ensure every New Yorker with a disability has access to the support they need to thrive.”
State Senator Lea Webb added, “Investing in their future means investing in a more inclusive, equitable, and compassionate New York. It also means recognizing and uplifting the dedicated professionals who provide essential care and services every day.”
State Senator Gustavo Rivera stressed the need for increased funding for Direct Support Professionals’ salaries and Medicaid reimbursement rates. He said,
“With threats of federal funding cuts over us, we must do everything in our power to protect our State’s healthcare system especially for our most vulnerable populations.”
Senator Monica Martinez reaffirmed the commitment to ensuring quality care and a stable system. She said,
“Every New Yorker deserves the opportunity to live with dignity.”
Over 300 members of the New York Disability Advocates coalition, including representatives from non-profit provider agencies, direct support professionals, family members, and people with disabilities, rallied at the Capitol.
They advocated for a 7.8% targeted inflationary increase, a Human Services Wage Commission, and the return of rate-setting authority to the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).
Mike Alvaro, president of New York Disability Advocates said,
“New Yorkers with disabilities deserve a care system that is strong, sustainable, and properly funded. The New York State Legislature must take action to provide the necessary resources for non-profit providers.”
Senator Fahy and Assemblymember Santabarbara urged their colleagues to prioritize disability services in the upcoming one-house budget resolutions.
They emphasized the importance of addressing workforce challenges, supporting providers, and ensuring a stable care system for over 130,000 New Yorkers with disabilities.