BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) – Advocates for those with disabilities are urging leaders in New York State to stop cutting millions in funding for health care and services.
The Arc New York, an advocacy organization for those with intellectual or development disabilities, estimated $327.6 million in revenue losses for provider programs last year because of the pandemic. They said the revenue loss is compounded by cuts over the past decade that total approximately $5 billion.
"In that time, provider organizations have received only one cost-of-living adjustment increase of just 0.02 percent," a written testimony in February by the organization said. "This year is no different. We estimate another $89.7 million will be lost to the system due to another COLA deferral in the FY2022 Executive Budget."
In a virtual rally Wednesday, advocates called for Albany leaders to make this a priority.
"Please restore the budget cuts because not only is it me you're giving a best life to, but all those with development disabilities," BJ Stasio, a Buffalo man with a development disability and also the President of the Self Advocacy Association of New York State, said. "Yes, I can speak for myself. But when I'm speaking as SAA president, I'm speaking for all New Yorkers with a developmental disability…In order to reach our full potential as New Yorkers and New Yorkers with developmental disabilities, we need the cuts to be restored for the services to give us the best life possible. No matter what our disability is, we all are important and have a lot to say."
Assemblywoman Karen McMahon was among the lawmakers who said she supports the struggle of the community and said she will do what she can to do to restore cuts for programs, wages for caregivers, plus housing, educational, and employment opportunities.
