June 10, 2022
The Arc New York Comments on OPWDD Strategic Plan
We announced the release of the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities’ 2023-2027 strategic plan, also referred to as the “5.07 plan,” in our May 27 Advocacy Update. Earlier this week, Crain’s Health Pulse published an article on the plan with significant input from The Arc New York.

“After years without sufficient funding or a strategic plan, we are facing an unprecedented workforce crisis,” The Arc New York stated. “The 5.07 plan must put emphasis on implementing immediate and long-term solutions to stabilizing our workforce.”

We thank Liberty ARC and their staff for articulating front-line experience with the impact of the workforce crisis on all providers. Such candor is critical as we continue to advocate for sustainable solutions and strive to deliver high-quality services in the face of significant challenges.

In addition to comments found within the article, The Arc New York provided oral testimony during the June 8 and 9 hearings on the plan. We will include the hearing recordings when they are made available.
$150 Billion Federal HCBS Investment Needs our Help!
As we shared in our May 13 and April 29 updates, strong advocacy continues in support of a $150 billion investment in home and community-based services (HCBS), but the guarantee of this funding is at severe risk. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure the future of HCBS supports for our loved ones and create a sustainable workforce model to aid in the recruitment and retention of a skilled direct care workforce is now at severe risk. With this funding, states would be eligible for a permanent 10-percentage-point increase in the federal Medicaid match for delivering HCBS, as well as enhanced funding for administrative activities associated with improvement efforts.

It is imperative that we impress upon our federal representatives to make bold decisions and support HCBS. You can send a letter to your federal representatives in support of these efforts here. 
People with Disabilities Encouraged to Apply for White House Internship
During this week’s White House Stakeholder Engagement call for Americans with disabilities, it was announced that White House interns will now receive a weekly stipend. This change is part of a larger effort to reduce barriers to access for this important internship opportunity, which has often only been available to individuals with outside financial support.

The White House internship program is looking for diverse candidates, including those with disabilities and people from underrepresented communities. People with disabilities were specifically encouraged to apply and feature their life story in the application. You can visit the White House intern information page to apply.
Governor Announces Confirmation of Nominees and New Appointments 
This week, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the confirmation of new parks administration nominees by the Senate. More detailed information on the confirmation and short bios can be found in the governor’s press release. 
 
Governor Hochul also announced the confirmation administration nominees by the Senate. More information on these confirmations and short bios can be found here. 
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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