Nearly 100,000 New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) supported and served in community-based settings have yet to be placed within a priority vaccination group. In response, The Arc New York has launched a state-wide grassroots campaign, sending the message to all state and federal representatives that all people with I/DD should receive Phase 1 vaccination priority. To add your voice to this important initiative, follow this link, provide your information, and the letter will be sent right to your representative's email.
In support of our ongoing advocacy on this issue, President Jack Kowalczyk submitted an Op-ed to media outlets throughout the state calling for vaccine prioritization for all New Yorkers with I/DD. The Arc New York also signed on to a joint letter to Governor Cuomo advocating for all individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to be formally prioritized in Phase 1 of New York's COVID-19 vaccination plan.
New Committees for Developmental Disabilities in NYS Legislature
The New York State Assembly and Senate have introduced new standing committees to oversee bills and laws concerning people with disabilities, the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), and the Justice Center.
Previously, mental health and developmental disabilities were served by a single committee in each house. The leadership of the new committees can be found below, as well as links to their legislative website.
You can read Senator Mannion's perspective and motivation for chairing the Developmental Disabilities Committee here.
Highlights from Governor Cuomo's First State of the State Address
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today delivered his 2021 State of the State address, which is the first of four. The Governor's 2021 agenda theme is, "Reimagine - Rebuild - Renew." With a looming $15 billion deficit, the governor acknowledged a difficult fiscal year ahead, but was hopeful that federal assistance and changes to policy would help reduce the strain now and into the future.
The governor is seeking the repeal of the federal deduction cap on State and Local Tax (SALT), increases to Medicaid reimbursement rates, and equitable infrastructure funding. The 2021-22 Executive Budget is expected to be released by or on Tuesday January 19. Below are a few proposals of note.
Medical Supplies Act
To combat future scarcity of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), the governor proposed the Medical Supplies Act, which would prioritize buying American-made PPE and medical supplies. This reduces dependency on foreign manufacturers and supply chain issues experienced throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Comprehensive Telehealth Legislation
Expansion of telehealth is a top advocacy priority of The Arc New York. The proposed legislation would adjust reimbursement incentives to encourage telehealth, eliminate outdated regulatory prohibitions on the delivery of telehealth, remove outdated location requirements, address technical unease among both patients and providers through training programs, and establish other programs to incentivize innovative uses of telehealth. Additional details can be found here.
Free Citizen Public Health Training
The state has proposed a free online citizen public health training program, offered in partnership with Cornell University, to educate and certify New Yorkers to be prepared to volunteer and help their communities the next time there is a health emergency.
Increased Access to Broadband
Governor Cuomo reiterated the need for broadband expansion in rural and underserved areas. Noting how the COVID-19 pandemic brought the classroom and office into the home, the need for broadband access is more salient than ever. No additional details were provided.
We will keep you apprised as further details of the 2021 Agenda are released, and will continue to advocate for the inclusion of funding to support New Yorkers with I/DD in the 2021-22 New York State Budget.
