ALBANY — The final New York state budget offers some important steps forward in improving and securing services for people with developmental disabilities and the CSEA members who deliver those services.
The improvements over Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s original proposals are a direct result of the persistent efforts of CSEA activists and staff, who convinced state legislators that a better approach is necessary.
“In every part of New York, CSEA activists visited state Assembly members and senators in their district offices and in Albany and provided them with detailed information about what they face on the job every day,” said Kathy Button, president of CSEA’s Finger Lakes DDSO Local and chair of the union’s Mental Hygiene Local Presidents Advisory Council. “It made a big difference in gaining their support for budget improvements.”
The final budget includes $24 million to expand CSEA care pilot projects and expand state operated respite services. Both are critical to the future of state-operated services as programs change and consumers and families face long waiting lists for services.
The budget also requires OPWDD to provide at least 45 days notice to the legislature and the affected unions when the closure or transfer of a state-operated Individualized Residential Alternative (IRA) is planned. It also requires OPWDD to make reasonable efforts to meet with the employees and their representatives to inform them of the plans.
CSEA has long sought to make better services for individuals with developmental disabilities a priority. In recent years, the state has undercut the state work force through inadequate staffing and planning and failing to live up to its commitments to deliver necessary services to individuals and families in need.
There were also important gains in the Office of Mental Health budget, including reinforcement of the requirement to provide notification on any closures or downsizing.
I’m thrilled that the $24 million was included for OPWDD and that we will be able to expand our care pilots. The services provided in the care pilots are the future of our members’ jobs in OPWDD. At Taconic, our Pathway to Employment and Community Pre-Voc programs have really taken off. Going forward, I want to see respite care be introduced here because there is tremendous need.”
— Terri Kraus, Taconic DDSO Local President
and member of state care pilot subcommittee
