Invest in direct-support professionals to aid N.Y.

What if Gov. Kathy Hochul had an opportunity to create 5,000 jobs? What if those jobs were available immediately rather than spread out over five to 10 years? And what if the jobs would be created in every corner of the state? What if these jobs were guaranteed to remain in New York with no chance of moving offshore or to the Sun Belt? How much would Empire State Development be willing to invest in such an opportunity?

This opportunity actually exists now. Not-forprofit agencies operating under the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities have more than 5,000 job vacancies for direct-support professionals. The importance of these workers has been well documented in the Times Union. Unfortunately, direct-support staff salaries are not competitive after years of neglect from the Cuomo administration.

Taking advantage of this opportunity will require a substantial funding increase to bring direct-support staff salaries in line with the importance of the work they do. That may not be as difficult as it sounds. The agencies are primarily funded by Medicaid,

which means the federal government will cover more than 50 percent of the increase. In addition, President Joe Biden’s Build Back Better proposal contains funding for disability services.

To fill any remaining gaps, Hochul can look to Empire State Development, which has committed millions to projects with far less economic development potential. Using some creativity, Hochul can address a staffing crisis and achieve a major economic development victory.

Jim Flanigan

Wynantskill Former executive director, Rensselaer ARC; former

chairman, North Greenbush Industrial

Development Agency