The Arc New York Central Region Chapters, representing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families, are pleased to announce the success of their Legislative Call-In Day across the Central NY Region on February 6, 2024. These chapters included The Arc Otsego, The Arc of Delaware County, ACHIEVE, The Arc of Onondaga, The Arc Oneida Lewis, The Arc Greater Hudson Valley, The Arc Madison Cortland, The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence, and The Arc Herkimer. On February 6, 2024, advocates, community members, and staff from all of the above-named chapters came together to voice their concerns and advocate for critical issues affecting individuals with IDD, and the staff that support them.
Governor Kathy Hochul, in her budget address in January recognized that New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities have been suffering from disinvestment and neglect; and she committed to changing that. However, this commitment was not reflected in her budget proposal. To achieve that commitment, we’re asking for a 3.2% Cost of Living Adjustment and a Direct Support Wage Enhancement to be included in the One-House Budget.
Since this was not included in Governor Kathy Hochul’s budget, we called on our state legislators to help us by having a Legislative Call-In Day aimed to raise awareness and garner support for a 3.2% COLA included in the One-House budget, as well as the inclusion of the Direct Support Wage Enhancement to make up for years of underinvestment by New York State. We need this and other key legislative priorities, which are crucial to enhancing the lives of individuals with IDD and their families.
Through a coordinated effort, The Arc New York chapters within the Central NY Region mobilized their communities to engage with elected officials, urging them to include these items in the One-House Budget. The results of the Legislative Call-In Day are a testament to the dedication and advocacy efforts of the Central NY Region Arc New York chapters. Together, they made a significant impact, amplifying the voices of those often marginalized in legislative discussions. The highlights of the Legislative Call-In Day include:
· 26 Legislators reached
· 2,608 total calls, emails, faxes, and one-click participations
· 17 Counties represented by 9 Arc New York Chapters
Many legislators contacted during call-in day expressed their commitment to working alongside The Arc New York and other stakeholders to champion these initiatives for budget inclusion.
The success of the Legislative Call-In Day underscores the power of collective advocacy in effecting positive change. The participating chapters who led this effort remain dedicated to advocating for policies and programs that promote the full inclusion and empowerment of individuals with IDD across the Central NY Region and beyond.
You can help by reaching out to your elected officials and encouraging them to include the 3.2% COLA and the Direct Support Wage Enhancement in the One-House budget, or by completing the one-click campaign at https://p2a.co/yy06tuz.
For further information on The Arc of Greater Hudson Valley, or to get involved, email publicrelations@arcghvny.org or to get more information about advocacy and our chapter visit https://arcghvny.org/getinvolved/advocacy.html
Submitted by: Nicole M. Morris – Director, Public Relations and Foundation
