NYDA Legislative Roundtable December 15
The Arc New York will join New York Disability Advocates (NYDA) for a Legislative Roundtable on Wednesday, December 15 from 2-4 PM. This is an opportunity to bring legislators together and discuss our NYS budget priorities and other matters of policy affecting people with I/DD and I/DD providers. You can register for the roundtable here.
NYDA and The Arc New York Release Updated Budget Resources
NYDA released updated information sheets in partnership with The Arc New York to aid advocates in educating lawmakers on our state budget priorities and prepare for upcoming legislative meetings. The document expands on our core legislative agenda:
- Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) – Projected to be 5.4% for FY 2023
- Workforce funding: continued funding of the 20% wage enhancement received through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
- Recruitment and retention of staff through tax incentives, career ladders and credentialing programs, and regulatory reform
- concerns with new rate methodology
Advocates across The Arc New York network are encouraged to begin scheduling meetings with legislators ahead of the 2022 legislative session.
2022 State of the State to be Held in the Assembly Chamber
Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the 2022 State of the State Address will be held in the New York State Assembly Chamber on Wednesday, Jan. 5. This will mark the first time in a decade that a sitting governor delivers a State of the State Address from inside the Assembly Chamber. The full press release can be found here.
Build Back Better Virtual Rally
Senator Casey and Congresswoman Dingell will be holding a grassroots virtual rally on Monday evening, December 13 from 6:15 to 6:45 PM to support the passage of the Build Back Better Act. They will highlight policies in the Build Back Better Act supporting people with disabilities and efforts to secure final passage of the bill. This rally is for everyone and we encourage you to share the information widely.
To join the rally call: (415) 527-5035
Enter the access code: 2760 179 5336
Then enter the passcode: 2357 6985
Nominees Sought for The Arc US Board of Directors
The Board Development Committee (BDC) of The Arc of the United States is requesting your help to identify talented people of diverse backgrounds to meet the current and future leadership needs of the organization. The BDC developed 2022 Nominating Priorities, which are outlined in the 2022 Board Prospectus. Please take a moment to review The Arc’s 2022 Nominating Priorities in the Board Prospectus. Perhaps you know someone who would be a good fit for The Arc’s Board of Directors including, in particular, candidates who will help us achieve greater diversity on the national board.
You may nominate someone you know for a board member position by filling out the application for the Board of Directors online, or you may share the Prospectus with the individual(s) you have in mind and suggest they consider nominating themselves.
The Board Development Committee will begin review in January 2022 with the ultimate goal of presenting a single slate of candidates for election at the 2022 Annual Meeting in the fall.
Thank you for supporting The Arc US in their board development process.
Letitia James Drops Bid for Governor
New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) announced Thursday she would suspend her campaign for governor to focus on her current position, just hours after reports that her office would seek to question former President Donald Trump in a civil fraud investigation.
RISE UP Campaign Continues
Since October, more than 4,500 advocates from across New York have participated in the RISE UP campaign, which encourages people to tell their personal stories, particularly about supports provided by Direct Support Professionals (DSP) and the impact of the workforce crisis. The goal is to make clear to Governor Hochul that we are at a crossroads after a years-long lack of investment, and need New York state to finally invest in our supports and services.
Your stories drive change. So, please follow the link here, enter your information, and personalize the letter text with YOUR story and details before you send the email. A great place to start writing your story is before or right after the first paragraph of the letter. If you have already participated, feel free to tell additional stories!
This campaign continues to gain steam and will culminate in a meeting with Governor Hochul. We want to get at least 10,000 advocates to join! As we all RISE UP, we are sending a message to the governor to do the same. Please share this opportunity with friends, family, self-advocates, DSPs, and anyone who is willing to RISE UP with us!
