April 1, 2021
NYS Budget Update & Call to Action
Advocacy on the 2021 NYS budget persists as budget negotiations continue. We must keep the pressure on our legislators to ensure our priorities are included in the final package. We are calling on you to make last-minute phone calls and emails to your legislators to make sure the one-house budget bills that restored funding to our sector are reflected in the budget. In particular, we need to advocate strongly for restoration of the 1% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). A short list of our most critical asks can be found below. There is still time to make a difference. Please pick up the phone and call, or add your voice to our online campaign!

  • Ensure the inclusion of $26.9 million for Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA);
  • Continue to reject the 1 percent Medicaid rate cut;
  • Restore $12 million for 5 percent Aid to Localities funding;
  • Restore $6.9 million Residential Reserve Replacement (RRR) Allowance
President Biden Unveils American Jobs Plan
Last night, President Biden announced the American Jobs Plan, which will include a major investment of $400 Billion to expand access to Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) and support the direct care workforce. President Biden noted that more people should have the opportunity to receive care at home, in a supportive community, or from a loved one. The full plan can be found here.

While the size of the investment is unprecedented, it is also notable for the inclusion of services, workforce supports, and a permanent re-authorization of the Money Follows the Person program. More specifics will be available in the near future. We will work with Congress to determine the best way to formalize these ideas in legislation and will fight hard to ensure they come to fruition. This package is expected to take until late summer or early fall to be finalized. 

The Arc US also received a substantial mention as one of the foremost advocacy organizations for people with I/DD on the Rachel Maddow show, clearly demonstrating the weight and influence of The Arc. The full press release from The Arc of United States can be found here.
 
Deadline Approaching to Submit a Session Proposal for National Convention
The Arc’s National Convention is the perfect opportunity to share your innovative ideas and expertise! Don’t miss your chance to submit a session for consideration. The submission deadline is April 16. 
Disability Policy Seminar Registration and Update
This year's Disability Policy Seminar may be virtual, but The Arc US is still bringing content you can't get anywhere else and won't want to miss! Participants will learn from Congressional insiders and seasoned grassroots advocates about expanding access to community living and how the disability community is navigating new realities in the midst of COVID-19. The seminar culminates in a Virtual Hill Day on Thursday, April 22. Advocates can bring their newly honed skills and knowledge straight to elected officials, virtually engaging with their Members of Congress and staff to advocate for important policy initiatives.

Each state will be organized into delegations led by State Captains. Philip Aydinian from The Arc New York will be one of our state captains. 

The past year has been a painful reminder that while we have made great progress in the fight for disability rights and inclusion, but there is still much work to be done. Register for the Disability Policy Seminar and add your voice to this critical effort!
Contact: Philip Aydinian, Associate Executive Director for Governmental Affairs 
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