Dear Friends and Colleagues,
I’m excited to share some of the exciting initiatives announced earlier today as part of Governor Hochul’s annual State of the State address for 2025 that will impact people with developmental disabilities:
Closing healthequity gaps–Thecreation of Regional Health Clinics through capital grants awarded by OPWDD will enhance access to health services for people with developmental disabilities. Additionally, theimplementation of new school programs to support students with mental health concerns, improved access to dentalcare, and free SUNY tuition for adults pursuing a career in nursing, will all help close health equity gaps in New York.
Increasing employmentopportunities– Expanding tax credits for businesses that hire people withdisabilities will build on the State’s work toward making New York an Employment First State for people with disabilities.
Modernizing research andmemorializing our history– Modernizing and enhancing the capacity of the Institute for Basic Research and reimagining a Center for Learning on the former Willowbrook State School property are huge steps toward recognizing the campus’s historical significance on the developmental disabilities service system in New York and nationwide.
As you know, the annual State of the State kicks off the Executive Budget process and I look forward to working with all of you in addressing and elevating issues important to New Yorkers with developmental disabilities.
Sincerely,
Willow Baer
Acting Commissioner
ENYDDA 