Expand funding for services to individuals with disabilities

We cannot overlook the needs of New Yorkers with disabilities in this year’s budget process. The governor’s proposal emphasizes plans to increase access to health care, including historic levels of investment in mental health services, raising Medicaid rates and increasing funding to recruit and retain sufficient staff in nursing homes and other health care fields.

However, the budget proposal falls short of what is needed to maintain, and in many cases restore, essential services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

As a state legislator and the father of a son with autism, my family and I know firsthand how the right supports and services can change lives for the better. We must increase support for these vital services in this year’s state budget. To keep up with the growing costs of care and high turnover rate among direct-service professionals changing careers or leaving for more competitive positions, the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities must secure more funding in the budget to enable our nonprofit provider agencies like Schenectady ARC and Liberty ARC in Amsterdam to maintain the staff needed to provide individuals with disabilities the care they need.

As always, I stand with New York Disability Advocates in their call for equity for the disability community. Whether living at home, receiving care in hospitals or nursing homes or striving to live independently with support, people with disabilities all deserve the time, effort and attention that is due to every New Yorker.

Angelo Santabarbara

Schenectady Assemblyman, 111th

Assembly District