April 24, 2026

We Need Your Help to Cross the Budget Finish Line Strong!

The NYS Budget is now nearly a month late, and this week the legislature passed its sixth budget extender to keep government operations funded through April 27 while they continue debating. We've heard negotiations will likely continue through early May, so expect further delays.

As negotiations drag on, legislators must continue to hear directly from the people and providers their decisions will impact. To give our voices collective power, we're joining our coalition partners in a NYDA Advocacy Blitz April 27 - May 1, and we need your voice!

Starting April 27, we're calling on EVERY advocate to take AT LEAST ONE ACTION to keep services for New Yorkers with IDD top of mind, and we've provided resources below to help.

To join the blitz you can:

• Go to the Capitol
• Call offices
• Help create a social media storm
• Send direct emails with The Arc New York and NYDA TII info sheets attached

Our message to the Governor and Legislature is simple: include the full 4% Inflationary Increase (TII) in the Enacted Budget. A 4% increase will cover inflation over the past year AND continue the progress New York has made to strengthen our system of care.

If your legislator says they fully support our budget request, or acknowledges they're aware, ask them if funding for IDD services is a top three priority, and if it's being discussed in their conference meetings.

Legislators often make decisions based on the last person who left an impression, so BE THAT PERSON!

If you're close to the Capitol or would like to make the trip with a small group, your presence will make a huge impact!

NYDA developed a guide to Capitol visits with tips to make your visit as effective as possible, including meetings with legislators and staff, calling "off-the floor” meetings if necessary, wearing orange, brining signs, taking pictures to post on social media, and leaving The Arc New York and NYDA TII info sheets with legislators and staff.

We encourage all of you to pick up the phone and call your legislators. Never underestimate the power of your voice!

Our call instructions give you an overview of why we are calling, a step-by-step guide how to participate, and a short script to guide you. If you feel more comfortable calling during nights and weekends to leave a message, that's an equally powerful way to have your voice heard. And if you've already called, please call again!          

Legislators pay close attention to their social media feed, and we need to make sure our message rises to the top!

This social media action plan lays out the strategy NYS advocates will be using the week of April 27. Follow, like, and share posts from The Arc New York and New York Disability Advocates (NYDA), add your own personal message, share photos or videos, and tag your legislators and fellow advocates!

Legislators and staff watch their inboxes to see what issues are top priority for their constituents. Use this spreadsheet to easily find direct email addresses for all of your representatives, of view the list as a PDF here. Send them your own unique message, and be sure to attach The Arc New York and NYDA TII info sheets!

Of course, our one-click campaign is always a quick and easy way to send a message to the governor and legislature. You can send the letter as is, or personalize your message by clicking the “edit” button in the top corner. If you've already sent a letter, send one again!

Gathering intel during late-stage negotiations is very important. If you have news to share from your legislator or their office, please contact Philip Aydinian.

Thank you for all your ardent and passionate advocacy. We know this has been a marathon since fall 2025, so let’s make sure we finish the race strong!          

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.