February 7, 2025

The Arc New York Delivers Testimony at Budget Hearing

On Tuesday, The Arc New York CEO Erik Geizer delivered oral testimony to the members of Senate and Assembly Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Committees at the Mental Hygiene Budget Hearing.

The message focused on system-wide investments for people with I/DD, including our front line workforce. Geizer addressed the recent investment made through rate rebasing, but emphasized the continued need for a 7.8% Targeted Inflation Increase (TII) by sharing gaps that still exist. "It is dangerously easy to hear about this investment and assume the needs of New Yorkers with disabilities have been met," Geizer told the Committee Members. "Unfortunately, that is far from the case."

Throughout the hearing, legislators asked thoughtful and pointed questions, which aligned with our advocacy message and supported our requests. This was a powerful demonstration that our advocacy is reaching the ears of decision makers. They understand our issues, and are using their platform to relay our message. 

You can watch The Arc New York oral testimony here, hear the panel questions that followed here, and read the full written testimony submitted by The Arc New York here. Additionally, you can view the testimony given by NYDA and NY Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation here. The entire hearing and all submitted written testimonies are available on the NYS Senate website.

Our overview of the FY Executive Budget can be found in our January 27 update. Additionally, you can view the FY26 Senate Finance Blue Book and Assembly Ways and Means Yellow Book to see their analysis of the governor’s Executive Budget.

Rally With Us!

There are few upcoming opportunities to support people with I/DD by participating in the rallies and lobby days below. We encourage you to attend at least one rally and to contact Philip Aydinian, Director of Government Affairs if you plan on being present for a lobby day.

February 25 in Albany @ Noon NYDA Rally in the War Room

If you plan to attend, please RSVP here. You can indicate the number of people in your party and do not need to register separately. Having this information in advance helps us plan, and inform State Troopers for everyone’s health and safety.

We are calling on ALL Chapter leadership and family members to request the support of your local legislators by personally inviting them to join us on the 25th, particularly if you plan to attend.

• If you receive confirmation that your elected official plans to attend, please let Philip Aydinian or Kate Jerian know, or email info@nydisabilityadvocates.org to advise us.

• We have created a simplified one-pager with our budget requests following the release of the Executive Budget. This tool will help keep you informed with our latest message, and is a helpful document to share with your legislators.

• A lobby day toolkit created through NYDA can be found here. If you are attending this rally, we encourage you to make appointments with legislators and offices to maximize your time. Although Tuesdays are committee meeting days, legislators are frequently available between meetings. Meeting with staff is a valuable alternative. 

March 7 in Pomona (Rockland County) - Rally in the Valley

The Rally in the Valley is sponsored by The Arc New York, our Chapters and other advocacy partners. This promises to be HUGE event, so come be part of it!

We will cover state and federal policy advocacy with speakers and attendees from across the political spectrum. RSVP here. You do not want to miss it!

March 21 in Syracuse - Rally With The Arc of Onondaga

If you're in Central New York, join The Arc of Onondaga and AccessCNY as they rally at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse to tell legislators to #INVESTINUS because #WEMATTER!

Geizer Joins Coalition to Support Workforce Opportunities

On Tuesday, Erik Geizer, CEO of The Arc New York joined Senator James Skoufis (SD42) and Assemblymember Harry Bronson (AD138) at a press conference in Albany to fight for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (“WOTC”) to be included in the FY ‘26 state budget.

The WOTC (S2429/A4012) would invest $90 million dollars over three-years to increase participation in New York’s workforce by people who have faced barriers to employment in the past, including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The WOTC would counter both the employment shortages affecting businesses and address poverty in some of New York’s most marginalized populations.

The Arc New York signed on to a letter with nearly 20 other organizations to support this cause and looks forward to working with its partners, the legislature and Governor Hochul to see it come to fruition.

Federal Update and Call to Action

Finally, we draw your attention to the federal call to action we sent earlier this week. We hope you take the opportunity to view its the update and take action. As we move forward, we will draw from this content for our federal advocacy efforts, aligned with The Arc of the United States.