Contact Your Assemblymember(s) and Senator(s) and Urge Them to Prioritize Investments for the I/DD Community and the People who Support Them

The end of the State’s fiscal year is less than four short weeks away.

NY Alliance and its partners in NYDA expect one-house budget bills to be released within the next week or so. 

We remain hopeful that lawmakers will include an 8.5% cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) increase for nonprofit provider agencies and the Direct Support Wage Enhancement (DSWE) for direct support staff to address the workforce crisis that has challenged our community for so long. 

WHAT ARE OUR NEXT STEPS?

As the State Budget process moves along, it’s important that we continue to advocate for the 8.5% COLA and the DSWE. Over the next few weeks, we’re calling on you, your colleagues, your family and friends to reach out to members of the State Assembly and State Senate to prioritize these crucial investments for the I/DD community and the people who support them.

HOW CAN YOU DO THIS?

One of the most effective ways to make your voice heard is by using social media to share your story and advocate for change. 

Use Social Media – We Have a Toolkit!

NYDA has prepared a social media toolkit that contains example posts, downloadable graphics, talking points and other helpful tips to help advocates and supporters like you take action online. 

Use Twitter or post on Facebook once or multiple times per day leading up to the State Budget announcements. (When you post, don’t forget to tag your State Senate and State Assembly members and the NYDA (@nydisabilityadv). To identify your elected officials and find their social handles use the NY Alliance Government Action Center.

Reach out to State Legislators by sending a Message

Send a message urging State Legislators to prioritize the COLA and DSWE in the One House Budgets through the NY Alliance’s Government Action Center “one-click” tool.

TOGETHER, WE CAN GET THIS DONE!