NYS Budget Update
After much anticipation and hard-fought advocacy, we have great news to report on the New York state budget. We have achieved all of our priority asks, in addition to securing language assuring that federal funds be directed as Congress intended. Last week we asked you to reach back out to your legislators to reinforce the need for funding the COLA and your efforts were successful!
The NYS Budget includes the following provisions:
- Restores $6.98 million in 1-percent across-the-board rate reductions for the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)
- (NEW PART FFF S.2509-C) – Restores the human services cost of living adjustment (COLA) and authorizes the COLA starting on April 1, 2021 for providers under OPWDD, the Office of Mental Health (OMH), the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), for State Office for the Aging (SOFA), and the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA)
- Provides $26.9 million for the 1-percent Cost of Living Adjustment
- Restores $10.5 million for the 1-percent Medicaid rate reduction
- Restores $12 million for 5-percent Aid to Localities funding
- Restores $20.8 million for Care Coordination Organization rates
- Rejects moving the NYS Institute for Basic Research (IBR) in Developmental Disabilities from OPWDD to the OMH NYS Psychiatric Institute
- Provides $31.6 million to bring DSP salaries up to the minimum wage
- Provides $740 million in appropriation authority, which will award grants to strengthen and enhance home and community-based services (HCBS) consistent with the American Rescue Plan Act
- Accepts continued telehealth flexibility on originating site and adds continued flexibility on distant site, OPWDD guidance to follow
We are awaiting federal guidance about the process for obtaining grants from the $740 million. As noted in the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), these funds are intended to enhance HCBS supports and services and supplement, not supplant current funding. We will be carefully following discussion of the federal guidelines once they are available. Additional budget details released by the governor's office can be found here.
Without all of your input and advocacy this would not have been possible!
Deadline Approaching to Submit a Session Proposal for Convention
After over a year of challenges and changes as a result of COVID-19, now is the time to innovate, get inspired, and share what's working to advance the disability rights movement.
The Arc US is currently seeking session proposals for the 2021 National Convention, but the window to submit your idea is closing soon! The National Convention is the perfect opportunity to share your knowledge if you:
- Have a great and replicable program to share with other organizations
- Are an expert on a topic of interest to the disability sector, including advocacy, education, nonprofit management, employment, and more
- Want to help other chapters, families and caregivers, and people with disabilities
