Take Action

Like so many other agencies that support people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, we are constantly facing budget cuts and service transformations that may impact how ACLD delivers its programs and services. By joining your voice to ours, and advocating for children and adults with autism, learning and other developmental disabilities, we can make a meaningful impact and ensure we are providing an enviable life for all.

CURRENT LEGISLATIVE EFFORTS

State Budget Update –Legislature Supports COLA & #bFair2DirectCare

The Assembly and Senate have included funds to support the human services cost of living adjustment in their 2019-2020 State Budget proposals. Both houses approved their one-house budgets yesterday and in addition to funding a 2.9% cost of living adjustment (COLA), the Assembly and Senate have added funds to support the #bFair2DirectCare campaign living wage funding.

As negotiations between the Governor and the Legislature continue it is vitally important that we voice our support for this important issue.

Please take a moment to call or email the Governor, your Assemblymember, and your Senator for higher wages for DSPs:

https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form
https://www.nysenate.gov/senators-committees
https://nyassembly.gov/mem/search/

Use this simple script:

Governor Cuomo:
· Hello, my name is [Your Name] and I am a [DSP, parent, etc.] from [Town]

· I am calling to urge you to support funding for bFair2DirectCare, that is included in the New York Senate and New York State Assembly Budgets, and a 2.9% COLA to ensure direct care workers, the individuals who support New Yorkers with developmental disabilities, earn a living wage.

Assemblymember or Senator:

· Hello, my name is [Your Name] and I am a [DSP, parent, etc.] from [Town]