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Governor Hochul Highlights Auto Insurance Reform Proposals
On Wednesday, Governor Kathy Hochul rallied with leaders and advocates to highlight her proposals to reduce auto insurance costs for New Yorkers and tackle fraudulent claims.
In February, The Arc New York joined our New York Disability Advocates (NYDA) partners in sending a letter to Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie in support of these reforms, stating, “The crisis in New York’s auto insurance market has hit I/DD providers particularly hard. … The Governor’s proposal represents a balanced approach to modernizing the system while preserving protections for legitimately injured individuals.”
You can read the entire letter here and find the governor’s press release and video of the rally here.
Send a Message for The Arc US to Deliver to Congress!
On March 24, The Arc of the United States is holding a rally on Capitol Hill. Disability advocates and members of Congress will be there to talk about why Medicaid, education, and disability funding matter. Following the rally, advocates will meet with their elected officials.
Medicaid, public education, and disability programs help millions of people every day. But Congress is making decisions that could change or cut these programs.
The Arc US is collecting letters to deliver to Congress during the March 24 event, so Congress hear from advocates all across the country at the same time. Write your legislator to day to help us make the biggest possible impact!
Use this link to customize your letter, and tell your representatives to:
- Protect Medicaid and expand home and community-based services,
- Fully fund IDEA and Developmental Disabilities Act programs, and
- Enforce disability civil rights in schools and beyond.
Every message The Arc US receives before March 24 will be sent to Congress that day. The more messages we send, the harder they are to ignore!
Rockefeller Institute's Study of IDD Sector and Preferred Source
Rockefeller Institute on Government published a new report commissioned by the New York State Industries for the Disabled (NYSID) and NY Alliance, studying the economic impact of the OPWDD service sector and the preferred source program, which focuses on job opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This was a follow-up to a similar report commissioned in 2021.
The Institute found that the 408 providers surveyed reported $9.0 billion in revenues.
Overall, nonprofit disability service providers:
- Generated $15.6 billion in economic output in New York State. This includes the $9.0 billion in revenues generated by the providers, $2.0 billion in output for their suppliers, and $4.6 billion related to employee spending.
- Supported 194,186 full-time jobs with service providers, their suppliers, and in the wider regional economy.
- Contributed $2.4 billion in federal and state tax revenue.
The Institute also examined data from NYSID providers in 2023. The results show a total economic impact of $470 million, based on $291.6 million in contracts across 99 member agencies. These member agencies employed 4,794 individuals with disabilities in 2023, who collectively worked 3,665,789 hours.
This data on our field's significant impact on the state economy is a valuable tool in our advocacy arsenal.
Congressman Latimer Speaks at Westchester Family Forum
Last month, Congressman George Latimer was a guest speaker at The Arc Westchester’s annual remote family forum. The Congressman shared his ongoing support regarding critical issues, including Medicaid, SNAP, and State Education funding. He addressed questions from families and offered guidance on how they can effectively advocate for their loved ones.
“George Latimer is a longtime friend and supporter of The Arc Westchester, having served as Westchester County Executive for seven years,” said CEO Tibi Guzman. “We are grateful that he took the time to speak with our families and hear their concerns about the future.”
You can read more about the event in the River Journal and Hudson Valley News.
The Arc US Seeks Board of Directors Candidates
Elections are open for officers and directors of The Arc of the United States Board of Directors. The Board Prospectus includes information for anyone interested in serving on the Board, and instructions on how to submit their candidacy. Please note: applications are due by April 1, 2026.
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