February 27, 2026



Important Next Steps in NYS Budget Process

The NYS Senate Finance Committee and Assembly Ways and Means Committee are holding a joint public hearing today to inform their consensus revenue forecast for FY2027. This forecast, due March 1, is an agreed-upon revenue estimate which will serve as the financial foundation for state budget negotiations and determine how much funding may be available beyond the Governor’s proposal.

The Senate and the Assembly revenue projections for FY2027 are both higher than the Executive budget forecast (by $1.5 and $1.8B respectively). While this doesn’t guarantee new funding will become available, it signals a potentially favorable budget environment.

After the consensus revenue forecast is finalized, formal budget negotiations will begin through joint conference committees. Once sub-committee members are appointed, our advocacy efforts will focus on those key legislators, as they make final budget decisions.

Additional hearing information and the livestream are available here. A recording will be posted afterward. Stay tuned!

We're Rallying Across the State!

Hundreds of advocates from more than 15 agencies across Central NY gathered in Syracuse today for an energetic rally hosted by Arc of Onondaga and Access CNY, calling on legislators to "Invest in Us!" Watch a live recording of today's rally here, and join us at one of the upcoming events below!

Virtual: Five Boroughs DDC Legislative Town Hall

The NYC Five Borough Developmental Disabilities Council will host its Virtual Legislative Town Hall, Friday March 6, 10:00 AM-noon. OPWDD Commissioner Willow Baer join legislators and representatives from NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and NYC Early Intervention on a moderated panel to discuss the NYS budget. View the flyer and register here!

NYDA Capitol Rally March 10 @ 11:30 AM

The Arc New York and our NYDA partners will be rallying in the NYS Capitol War Room on Tuesday, March 10 at 11:30 AM. Our goal is to get 400-500 people there as a show of force and solidarity from across the state. View the flyer and register here so we know you are coming and can coordinate appropriately!

While you're at the Capitol, don’t pass up the opportunity to meet with your legislators and legislative staff!

Rally in Valley March 13 @ 11:00 AM

Downstate Chapters of The Arc New York Chapters, Jawonio, and other partners are hosting the 2026 Rally in the Valley on March 13. This annual event is a powerful gathering of advocates, staff, and families who unite to send a clear message to our leaders: it is essential to protect Medicaid, invest in our workforce, and ensure dignity for New Yorkers with disabilities.

The rally kicks off at 11 AM at the Rockland Community College Fieldhouse in Suffern, but we recommend attendees arrive by 9:45 AM to get settled. Check out the event flyer or click here for registration details and more information.

Send a letter NOW!

Our one-click letter campaign is a quick and easy way to send a message to your representatives calling for them to meet our budget requests. You can send the letter as is, or edit and personalize your message by clicking the “edit” button in the top left corner.

NYDA Supports Auto Insurance Reform Proposal

The Arc New York joined with our New York Disability Advocates partners in sending a letter to Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and Speaker Heastie in support of the Governor’s auto insurance reform proposal. The proposal could help reduce escalating insurance premiums, which increasingly strain providers' budgets and divert funds from critical services and staff. Read the full letter here.

Help Support the Fight for DSP Recognition in Washington!

The Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act (H.R. 6137 / S. 3211), currently in Congress, would help create a Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) for DSPs. This may sound technical, but it matters. It is a key step toward having DSPs recognized as professionals and improving wages over time.

Without an SOC, DSP wage and occupation data is not captured, and federal lawmakers cannot allocate funds towards supporting this critical workforce. Establishing an SOC for DSPs would help policymakers understand the true impact of the workforce crisis, and promote opportunities for professional advancement, certifications, and the pursuit of a life-long career.

Take moment to send a letter to your Member of Congress with one click, asking them to sign on as a co-sponsor of the Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act and show their support for DSPs.

Last Chance to Register for Disability Policy Seminar

Online registration for the Disability Policy Seminar (DPS) in Washington, DC closes March 13! DPS is the premier opportunity to build support on Capitol Hill and amplify the concerns of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) before Congress. DPS 2026 will be held March 23-24, bringing together passionate advocates, including people with disabilities, experts, and disability professionals, to learn about key disability policy issues and educate lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Learn more about DPS here!

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.