NYSACRA

NYSACRA’S LEGISLATIVE DAY 2004 A SUCCESS!!!!

Thanks to all of our participating Members, NYSACRA’s Legislative Day 2004 was an overwhelming success!   Whether it was a team from the snow-belt country or an Agency ad for our wonderful Legislative Gazette insert, you came out in force and we are very thankful for your efforts.  That is the o­nly way to be sure that we continue to receive the attention and in fact the benefits that we earn through our hard work.

Over 200 parents, people with disabilities, direct support professionals, Executive Directors and other agency staff converged o­n Albany to deliver a message of thanks to the NYS State Assembly and Senate and to remind them that we are still active in their communities as major employers, economic contributors and even as voters.

Self-Advocacy President, Rain Ripple, gave a moving account of her experience as a voter, and the continuing challenges and discrimination faced by people with disabilities at the polls.  Aimee Allaud, Elections Specialist for the League of Women Voter’s, gave us an overview of the new changes taking place under the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) and how those will affect us.  (See NYSACRA Voting Rights Guide)

Assemblyman Peter M. Rivera, Chair, Assembly Mental Health, Mental Retardation & Developmental Disabilities Committee, welcomed participants and urged teams to educate legislators about our issues. 

Senator Thomas Libous, Chair, Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities Committee, reminded us that we are a powerful influence o­n Legislators and have continued to build support each year.

NYSACRA supports the Governor’s Executive Budget.  We also passed along our concerns about the plan to cut Medicaid services, such as podiatry, psychology and dental.  We also spoke to Legislators about the rising costs of health insurance, an issue that is not unique to our field and is fast becoming a critical issue to deal with.

While thanking Legislators for their past support and requesting their support this year, we discussed the impact of the continued reduction in Overburden Aid and not just its fiscal implications, but more importantly, the image it may portray.  Historically, our system has not been a burden to the counties, and this year the hottest topic is Medicaid relief for counties.  We want to make sure that we don’t get caught up in that fray.  (See NYSACRA Overburden Summary)  We shared with Legislators information from our 1998 Economic Values study and will distribute to them a 2003 update that is due out shortly, demonstrating the positive economic value of group homes in the community.

Last but not least we gave out copies of the Congressional Resolution, HR 94, The Direct Support Professional Recognition Resolution, and asked them to support a similar policy statement here in New York.  (Click Here for a copy)

Thanks again for all of your support this year, and we look forward to seeing you in Albany next year.  Please send back your evaluations.  For any agency that was unable to come, we will be sending out an information packet with handouts and our message so that you can visit Legislators in your District or invite them to your homes.