February 5, 2021
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CP State News
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I/DD included in eligibility expansion for COVID-19 vaccine starting Feb. 15
Governor Andrew Cuomo issued a press release today announcing a list of underlying conditions that would make an individual eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine beginning February 15.
CP State has yet to receive clear direction from OPWDD or the Governor's office on the details surrounding the expansion and will continue to seek clarification.
"We're committed to vaccinating vulnerable populations that have suffered the most as we distribute a strictly limited supply of vaccines, and people with comorbidities are 94 percent of the state's COVID deaths. That's why we'll open eligibility to people with comorbidities starting February 15 and give hospitals the ability to use extra doses they have to address that population. Local governments have a week to prepare for the new change—they need to get ready now," Governor Cuomo said.
Susan Constantino, on behalf of NYDA, testifies at Mental Hygiene Budget Hearing
“Over the past decade, providers of supports and services to the I/DD community have been asked to do more with less, but now the service delivery system is on the brink of collapse,” said Susan Constantino, President & CEO of CP State. “In order to save this vital system, we are urging the State to reverse budget cuts, invest in our workforce, and reject the deferral of COLA for OPWDD programs. The critical services to individuals with I/DD are in jeopardy, and we need care from our State leaders, not cuts.”
Update: Unemployment Experience Rating Charges
As part of the CARES Act, the federal government agreed to cover 50% of the unemployment responsibility for self-insured nonprofits. Now, based upon a Jan. 14 order by Roberta Reardon, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Labor (DOL), New York State will pick up the tab for unemployment claims retroactive to March 9, 2020. All unemployment claims from March 9, 2020 through an undetermined date in the future will be charged against the NY State general account. What this means is that businesses will not see an uptick in their NY State unemployment rates due to turnover during the pandemic, and nonprofits that are self-insured will be made whole by the NY State general account.
From a cash flow perspective, effective immediately, self-insured nonprofits should stop making payments to NY State for unemployment claims. How the state will reimburse agencies that have been paying the claims is uncertain at this point.
Nonprofits also need to consider the impact of this regulatory change on deficit funded contracts, cost reports, and PPP forgiveness, as it is no longer a cost that they have incurred. Organizations should establish a receivable for the projected amounts paid to the State that will be refunded.
We will share more information as it becomes available.
Materials available from Multi-Agency Vaccination Data Collection System Training 
Click here to view or download the presentation from yesterday’s training: Multi-Agency COVID-19 Vaccination Reporting: Data Entry for Day and Waiver Services.
If you have additional questions after reviewing the presentation or any questions related to COVID-19 they should be emailed to:  covidreporting@opwdd.ny.gov   
CP State Training Series
Relationships for people with I/DD
CP State is honored to host a series on navigating dating and relationships for people with disabilities. These FREE sessions will begin on February 23 and are presented by Kathy O'Connell, Director of Radiant Abilities. Radiant Abilities provides resources and products for people with disabilities in the areas of self-esteem, relationships, and personal empowerment.
Free series on community building for people with I/DD continues February 17
CP State continues Dr. Al Condeluci's series on community building on Wednesday, February 17,at 10 a.m. with "Understanding the Social Infrastructure."
This session will go over strategies and actions that can soften the social infrastructure, the places and spaces where people engage in community, in welcoming all people.
Sessions continue through March:
• Understanding the Social Infrastructure – Wednesday, February 17 @ 10 a.m.
• MACRO CHANGE: The key to Community Success– Wednesday, March 3 @ 2:30 p.m.
• Session 6 (TBA) – Tuesday, March 16 @ 10 a.m.
• Session 7 (TBA) – Thursday, March 18 @ 10 a.m.
CP State is offering these FREE sessions through its DDPC Rural Advocacy Grant.
If you would like to participate, please contact Tim Ferguson at TFerguson@cpstate.org or 518-436-0178.
CP State and SAP Litmos have your training needs covered
CP State is proud to provide the SAP Litmos online learning platform to provide efficient and thorough training for Affiliate staff.
Whether you need to onboard staff more efficiently or are looking for a suite of COVID-19 related classes, we provide top-level professional development courses within our online learning library!
For more information contact:
Tim Ferguson
Director of Online Learning