September 9, 2022
Release of Tuition Rates for 853/4410 Schools Confirms 11% Trend Factor
After months of advocacy, 2022-23 tuition rate methodology has been released for 853 and 4410 schools. It confirms an 11% trend factor and the authorization of interim plus rates that support our schools and programs. However, there is more work to be done.

Following this announcement, a coalition of special education advocacy organizations, including The Arc New York, who have been collectively advocating on tuition funding, wrote a letter to Governor Hochul expressing their continued support that she sign into law A.10191 (Benedetto)/S.9132 (Mannion), which ensures that the calculation of the amount authorized to be retained by a school or program is conducted prior to certain applications of the methodology. This is vitally important to ensure that this investment has lasting positive impacts for our schools. 
 
The Arc New York to Testify at Hearing on OPWDD 5.07 Strategic Plan
This coming Tuesday, September 13, Erik Geizer, Chief Executive Officer of The Arc New York will present oral testimony to The New York State Assembly Standing Committee on People with Disabilities at a public hearing concerning OPWDD's five year strategic plan. His testimony will stress the urgent workforce crisis, access to supports and services, and regulations. The hearing will be streamed live on the NYS Assembly website. 

The Arc New York submitted official comments in June of 2022, on the 5.07 strategic plan and attended OPWDD public forums with Commissioner Kerri Neifeld and staff. 
Upcoming Willowbrook Legacy Project Events
The Historical Society of the New York Courts will present a panel discussion September 22, in collaboration with the Willowbrook Legacy Project at the College of Staten Island/CUNY, titled "WILLOWBROOK STATE SCHOOL: How a Lawsuit Closed the Gates to a Notorious Institution and Opened the Doors of Opportunity for Thousands."

A distinguished panel of attorneys who have been involved with this case will discuss the filing of the complaint, the entry of a Consent Judgment, the continuing nature of the litigation and the importance and relevance of Willowbrook today. 
The presentation will take place Thursday, September 22 from 6 – 8 PM, and will be a hybrid event with options for in-person or virtual attendance. You can register here. 

Visit the Willowbrook Youtube page to see additional presentations in this series.
Want to do More?
Visit The Arc New York Advocacy Center for more ways to take action, including campaigns to support federal funding, employment opportunities, and our dedicated workforce. You can also find tools and resources to help you be a stronger advocate for New Yorkers with disabilities.

This and all advocacy updates are archived on The Arc New York website for future reference. Please contact us if you have questions regarding any of this information.
Contact: Philip Aydinian, Director of Governmental Affairs 
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