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Our Budget Asks
A TII funds all facets of the comprehensive system of supports and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including:
- Wages & mandated fringe benefits
- Food & transportation
- Maintenance & utilities for programs & homes
- Medical supplies and nursing care
- Insurance (commercial, property, liability)
- Professional development & technology
- Compliance, legal, accounting & audit
- Licensing, accreditation, security & more
In addition to a TII in the one-house budget bills and enacted budget, The Arc New York and its NYDA partners have developed the following package of bills to support our workforce:
Housing Proposals to Support the CareForce
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S.8672 would establish an Employer-Assisted Housing (EAH) Matching Grant Program for the nonprofit human services workforce. This proposal would provide a 50 percent State match—up to $3,000 per worker per year—on employer contributions for housing assistance. Eligible uses would include security deposits, rent stabilization, emergency rental arrears, and first-time homebuyer costs such as down payments and closing fees.
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S.8675 would enact the CareForce First-Time Homebuyers Program, offering below-market mortgage financing and forgivable down payment assistance to eligible care workers. Low wages, limited savings, and high borrowing costs often make homeownership unattainable for DSPs and other frontline staff.
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S.8676 would create a targeted housing preference within affordable housing developments for members of New York’s care workforce. This preference would help ensure that DSPs and other frontline workers can live in the communities they serve, strengthening workforce stability and reducing one of the most persistent financial pressures facing the CareForce.
Supporting Working Families and the Care Workforce
We also strongly supports the Governor’s proposal to enhance the New York Child and Dependent Care Credit. DSPs and other frontline care workers are often working parents and caregivers themselves, and the cost of child and dependent care remains one of the most significant barriers to workforce participation and retention.
Budget Testimony
FY27 Mental Hygiene Budget Testimony will be held on Wednesday, February 4 2025 at 9:30 AM. As always, The Arc New York will submit written testimony and request the opportunity to give oral testimony to the Joint Budget Panel. You can view the full hearing schedule here.
FY 27 Executive Budget Briefing Book Highlights
- 4.6% increase in spending for OPWDD (+$342.77M)
- 1.7% targeted inflationary increase
- $30M for new service opportunities
- 5% increase in family care rates
- $15M for housing development
- A portion of $53.5M to support minimum wage increases
- $3.5M for the Council of Developmental Disabilities
- $5M to create a new Assistive Technology Innovation Center
- $1.27B to preschool special education services, a $173M or 15.8% increase
- $1.23B increase for childcare subsidies for families below 85% of the state’s median income)
- $73M for NYC childcare for children two and under
- $60M for development of childcare pilot programs in Dutchess, Monroe and Broome counties
- $75M to continue to support the multi-year investment in the Institute for Basic Research (IBR)
You can find our more detailed list of budget sections to note here.
You can also view the NYS Division of Budget presentation files here, all legislation related to the budget here, and the OPWDD Agency Report here.
Registration Now for the Joint Legislative and Advocacy Forum
The Arc New York, NY Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation, and DDAWNY are excited to share that registration is now open for the 2026 Joint Legislative & Advocacy Forum taking place in-person on February 9, 2026 in the Hart Lounge of The Egg at the Empire State Plaza in Albany, NY.
The annual Joint Legislative & Advocacy Forum provides access to information on the 2026-27 Executive Budget proposal, upcoming legislation, advocacy strategies, and opportunities to engage leadership in the Senate and Assembly.
Family members, self-advocates, staff, and other key stakeholders will hear from presenters across a wide range of timely topics, reflecting the importance for us to be a strong voice in Albany this year and beyond. Register Now!
The Arc US Advocacy Webinar
Congress has returned to Washington, and The Arc of the United States is monitoring many issues important to people with disabilities and their families. Join us on January 29 for a federal advocacy kickoff webinar with your fellow chapters across the country. Register here!
Statewide Opportunities to Rally Together!
Invest in Us Rally in Syracuse, January 27 @ 10:00 AM
Join us to hear from family members, direct support professionals, and people with I/DD who receive support from AccessCNY and Arc of Onondaga as they share why funding
is needed to ensure the sustainability of essential supports and services for people
with intellectual and developmental disabilities who live in Central New York. View the flyer here.
NYDA Capitol Rally March 10 @ 11:30 AM
We are pleased to announce that The Arc New York and our NYDA partners hold another a rally at the NYS Capitol on Tuesday, March 10, 11:30 AM-12:30 PM in the War Room on the 2nd floor of the NYS Capitol building. Our goal is to get 400-500 people there as a show of force and solidarity from across the state.
This is also a great opportunity to schedule meetings with your legislators and legislative offices before and after the rally. We will circulate a flyer and registration link once it is available. You do not need to register to join, but it helps us coordinate the event.
Rally in Valley March 13 @ 11:00 AM
We are proud to join the downstate Arc New York Chapters, Jawonio, and other providers as they host the 2026 Rally in the Valley. 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 will take place on Friday, March 13, 2026, at the Rockland Community College Fieldhouse in Suffern, NY. The program officially begins at 11:00 AM, but we recommend that attendees arrive by 9:45 AM to get settled. We encourage everyone to wear their organization's colors and bring plenty of homemade signs to help make our collective voice heard!
Check out the event flyer or click here for registration details and more information.
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