As New York moves closer to finalizing the state budget, Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Legislature must agree on the best funding plan to care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, or I/DD. The vast majority of New Yorkers with I/DD are supported by nonprofit agencies that provide everything from daily care to housing, transportation, employment support, medical services, and more. After more than a decade without adequate investment to cover the rising costs of care, we are in the midst of a systemic workforce crisis that threatens the stability and quality of support for New Yorkers with I/DD.New York Disability Advocates advocated for an increased investment in the I/DD system through a 7.8% Targeted Inflationary Increase, which would build on the governor’s proposed 2.1% increase and provide the resources needed to address the rising costs of services. This increase would ensure provider agencies can keep their doors open, pay fair wages, and deliver the essential care that New Yorkers with I/DD rely on. I/DD provider agencies are funded almost exclusively by Medicaid. Ensuring funding in the NYS budget is their only means to close vast budget gaps and make sorely needed investments in services and the staff who provide them.
These complex financial struggles are caused by inflation in food, transportation and housing. The dedicated staff who support our most vulnerable citizens face these same inflationary pressures. They deserve proper compensation for their level of skill, professionalism and responsibility.
We are thankful that all of our elected leaders support increased funding for I/DD services, but they have put forward very different plans. Hochul’s proposed budget includes a targeted inflationary increase of 2.1%. The state Assembly’s proposal provides a 7.8% targeted inflationary increase for provider agencies to support wages and other costs. The state Senate’s proposal includes a 7.8% targeted inflationary increase and mandates that a portion of that increase must be used to provide a 4% wage increase for certain staff. The Senate proposal also includes a Direct Support Wage Enhancement, which would provide an additional $4,000 per direct care staff.
We strongly urge New York to include a flexible 7.8% Targeted Inflationary Increase and Direct Wage Support Enhancement in the final enacted budget. This investment will allow nonprofit agencies to best meet the diverse and growing needs of their unique communities.
The ongoing workforce crisis, highlighted by a recent NYDA survey, shows that turnover rates in essential direct care positions currently exceed 35%, and nearly 17% of these critical positions are vacant across the state. Not only are staff at nonprofit provider agencies paid less than many entry-level positions in other industries, but they are paid significantly less than staff doing the same work in programs operated by the state. This disparity complicates recruitment and retention efforts, further destabilizing an already fragile system and jeopardizing the consistent, quality care that individuals with I/DD depend on. The Direct Support Wage Enhancement would help correct our staffing crisis and improve pay equity for this essential workforce.
The much-needed Targeted Inflationary Increase must be flexible. To best meet the diverse needs of people with I/DD, providers must have the ability to allocate funds where they are needed most. We know our staff and understand the unique needs of our communities, and the people we support. It’s essential that agencies can direct funding where it will have the most significant impact.
We urge Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie to work collaboratively, ensuring that the final budget meets the needs of providers and the individuals we support. To address the workforce crisis and ensure the continuity of essential services for New Yorkers with I/DD, we need a flexible 7.8% Targeted Inflationary Increase and Direct Support Wage Enhancement in the final budget. We ask all members of the state Senate and state Assembly to support our needs. By prioritizing this investment, New York can build a stronger and more stable care system for individuals with disabilities.
Kathryn Jerian is the vice president of New York Disability Advocates, a statewide coalition of 330 non-profit disability service providers providing vital services and support to more than 130,000 New Yorkers with I/DD, and the chief strategy officer at The Arc New York.