The NY Alliance, the Arc New York and DDAWNY are excited to share that registration is now open for the 2024 Joint Legislative & Advocacy Forum taking place in-person on February 12 & 13, 2024 at The Hart Lounge of The Egg in the Empire State Plaza in Albany, NY.

Monday, February 12

1:15 - 2:00pm

THE STATE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK POLITICS

• Dana Carotenuto, Senior Vice President, MirRam Group

Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled her $233 billion budget which contains numerous spending proposals and closes the $4.3 billion budget gap. While some call the spending plan modest, it’s the largest in State history. Increased education aid, addressing the migrant crisis, and commitments to public safety and mental health are hallmarks of the Executive Budget proposal. All without raising income taxes and proceeding with fiscal caution. In addition, the Medicaid budget poses a looming problem as New York spent $1.5 billion more than expected last year and this has the potential of creating a trickle-down effect within the publicly sponsored health insurance program. 

Despite a looming out-year deficit, some will say the budget plan doesn’t go far enough. 

The spending plan is now in the hands of the State Legislature and many project that budget fights will likely occur.

Dana Carotenuto of MirRam Group and advisor to DDAWNY will share insights into the current state of politics in New York especially the relationship between the Governor and leaders in the Assembly and Senate and how the dynamics will impact negotiations on the State Budget and negotiations on other key pieces of legislation. She’ll discuss the challenges New York currently faces from both the fiscal and public policy perspectives, share her thoughts on critical issues facing the human services sector, specifically not for profits serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Dana will offer forum attendees with advice on how best to position themselves for success in this 2024 session of the State Legislature.

About the Speaker:

Dana Carotenuto recently served as Chief of Staff to the 56th Governor of New York State Andrew Cuomo, managing the day to day operations of the Executive Chamber and implementing key program and policy priorities for the administration. Prior to that position, Ms. Carotenuto served as Deputy Secretary for Legislative Affairs and Policy in the administration, negotiating priority policy initiatives with the State Legislature such as congestion pricing and the legalization of paid gestational surrogacy. Ms. Carotenuto previously served in State Senate staff roles for over 10 years, namely as Chief of Staff for the Senate Independent Democratic Conference, negotiating the state budget and initiatives such as paid family leave, zombie property legislation, and foreclosure protections. She holds a B.S.F.S from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service and a J.D. from Brooklyn Law School. 

About the Forum:

The annual Joint Legislative & Advocacy Forum provides access to information on the 2024-25 Executive Budget proposal, upcoming legislation, advocacy strategies, and opportunities to engage leadership in the Senate and Assembly.

Parents and family members, self-advocates, direct support professionals, not-for-profit agencies, and other stakeholders will hear from presenters across a wide range of timely topics, reflecting the importance for us to be a strong voice in Albany this year and beyond.

Help us ensure our voices are heard. 

Join us in Albany and be part of our advocacy day.

Event Details:

Monday, February 12th

Registration Opens: 11:00AM

Program: 1:00PM-5:00PM* Schedule Subject to Change

Light refreshments will be provided throughout the day.

Tuesday, February 13th

Registration & Continental Breakfast: 7:00AM

Program: 8:00AM-11:15AM

Registration Cost: $125/per person

Make Appointments Early!

If you plan to meet with State Legislators while joining us in Albany, we encourage you to make your appointments as soon as possible.

Click here to learn more about contacting State Legislators.

Discounted Hotel Reservations:

A block of rooms has been reserved at a discounted rate at the following hotels. Please note the deadline dates for reservations:

Hilton Albany

40 Lodge Street, Albany, NY 12207

Click here to reserve or call 1-800-HILTONS (445-8667) and use the code 1NYA to reserve.

Reservations must be made by January 16, 2024.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Albany

216 Wolf Road, Albany, NY 12205

Click here to reserve.

Reservations must be made by January 19, 2024.

Hampton Inn & Suites Albany-Downtown

25 Chapel Street, Albany, NY 12210

Click here to reserve.

Reservations must be made by January 29, 2024.

New York Alliance

nyalliance.org

nyaii@nyalliance.org

The Arc New York

thearcny.org

info@TheArcNY.org

DDAWNY

ddawny.org

ddawny@ddawny.org