ADVOCACY ALERT: The 8.5% COLA is in jeopardy! Governor Kathy Hochul and NYS legislators must hear that anything less than an 8.5% COLA shows us that New York State is turning its back on people with I/DD and their families!

We couldn’t agree more — representation matters. But so does resource stability, equity & accessibility. To truly show that NY values those with I/DD, the government must invest in the support systems that allow them to thrive, starting with an 8.5% COLA in this year's budget!

New York Disability Advocates Elizabeth Martin Enough with the statements about inclusivity…. It’s time to put NYS’ money where its mouth is and fund the services that make inclusivity possible! That starts with 8.5% COLA this year. Nothing less! Governor Kathy Hochul

Me too! Make your voices heard people!!!!!

cpstate.org/advocacy/?vvsr… right now to make 3phone calls– Once you get to the CP website, scroll down and find the box on the right. At the top, there is an envelope icon and a phone icon. Click the phone, fill in your information, and a script plus phone numbers will pop up.

Governor Hochul Makes an Announcement fb.watch/kaNYAFREAo/ via facebookwatch

Anything less than an 8.5% COLA shows us that New York State is turning it’s back on people with I/DD and their families!

I'm excited to attend On A Mission: The Power of People-IAC 11th Annual Conference iac11thannualconference2023.sched.com Sched

I'm excited to attend On A Mission: The Power of People-IAC 11th Annual Conference iac11thannualconference2023.sched.com/directory/spea… Sched

A packed War Room in the State Capitol spoke with one voice today: We need to invest in our people! That means a 3.2% COLA plus a $4,000 wage enhancement, better housing options, and robust services that are accessible and properly funded. New York Disability Advocates

An exciting first day at our 2024 Legislative and Advocacy Forum! From an electric rally for DSP wage enhancements to presentations from various officials, the voices of New York's direct support professionals made themselves heard! #InvestInMe #InvestInIDD

This morning, we rallied with New York Disability Advocates for a 3.2% COLA and DSWE in the upcoming budget. Support for DSPs can’t wait!

Despite the fiscal challenges ahead, I'm committed to improving Direct Support Professional's salaries so we can recruit abd retain these critical workers who are fundamental to New York’s I/DD community. Thank you New York Disability Advocates for your powerful advocacy!

Several Legislators spoke at Tuesday's joint Legislative and Advocacy Forum in support of services and supports for people with I/DD as we await one house amendments. The field is asking for a 3.2% COLA and a $4K DSWE. #NYAlliance #StrengthTogether #InvestInIDD #InvestInMe

Assemblymember Crystal Peoples-Stokes speaks with Michael Seereiter after addressing joint Legislative and Advocacy Forum attendees in Albany. #InvestInIDD #InvestInMe #NYAlliance #StrengthTogether

Today, I co-chaired the Mental Hygiene budget hearing and questioned OPWDD Commissioner Neifeld about the I/DD workforce crisis. DSPs need a DSWE and 3.2% COLA to counter stagnating wages and the high cost of living. (1/2) youtube.com/watch?v=bGs8lS…

I questioned Denise Miranda, Exec. Director of the Justice Center, about the massive I/DD job drain, caseloads and case investigations, and how we can protect PWD. youtu.be/ZaHhpfm8rDg?si…

DDAWNY OPWDD Assemblymember Karen McMahon New York Disability Advocates @CarlHeastie Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes Bill Conrad, 140th NYS Assembly Assm. Monica Wallace Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera Assemblyman Pat Burke Your spot on words today said it all! Excuse my video taking skills. Lol. Honored to be there and excited to hear! Michael Seereiter New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation Community Services for Every1 People Inc Aspire of WNY Chuck Collard Bj Stasio Brad Watts Thank you Assemblymember Karen McMahon !