 |
 |
|
News & Views: OMR COMMISSIONER RITTER’S BUDGET MESSAGE 4-21-08 |
|
|
|
|
Monday, 21 April 2008 |
· OMR COMMISSIONER RITTER'S BUDGET MESSAGE
|
|
|
UPDATED ACTION ALERT! OMR COMMISSIONER RITTER'S
BUDGET MESSAGE
|
|
Issue No. 17-08
|
April 21, 2008
|
|
|
Open Your Eyes! Watch it Now!
|
NYSACRA Calendar
Executive Positions
Action Center
|
| |
Greetings NYSACRA Members!
|
| |
| |
| |
|
· OMR COMMISSIONER RITTER'S BUDGET MESSAGE
|
| |
Below is the text of OMRDD Commissioner Diana Ritter's Budget Message regarding the 2008-09 NYS Budget. Hello: Governor Paterson and the state Legislature, led by Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno, have an accomplishment to be proud of: a relatively timely state budget. Owing to the difficulties our state faced earlier in the year, this is an astounding achievement. Hats off to the diligent work of our state lawmakers! The approval is also significant since the budget, as passed, both supports our mission and strategic imperatives and continues to fund all our major initiatives. I want to take a moment to outline a few significant budget points as they relate to OMRDD and our voluntary providers: We received some good news in terms of the $5 million in provider cuts originally proposed by the Governor. Four million of the $5 million in cuts have been restored by the legislature. In these tough fiscal times, it's important that we all appreciate just how extraordinary this restoration is! · The move has the effect of restoring $32 million of the $40 million in cuts originally proposed for voluntary providers on an annualized basis, (2009-2010) including federal funds. · While closing the gap on an $8 million shortfall (including federal funds) is overwhelmingly preferable to the alternative we faced earlier this year, it will still require significant belt-tightening on our part. While I expect us to always be accountable for using our resources efficiently, in these tough fiscal times, we have to be especially prudent and seek more innovative and creative ways to achieve our goals. I continue to be committed to working in partnership with each of you to minimize the impact of these cuts and to maintain quality supports, services and financial viability. However, the news was not completely positive on the final budget front. OMRDD is faced with an additional $11.4 million in reductions to our budget. Again, this will require significant belt-tightening on our part, but we will be given the flexibility to take this reduction as appropriate. In this time of fiscal constraint, we are all fighting for the same ever-shrinking pie. We have done a good job with the resources at hand, but, as I have said, we must look at all the options we can to best meet the needs of the individuals we serve. We must all realize efficiencies in terms of rationalizing, reforming and restructuring Medicaid reimbursement. I am counting on all of you to be on board and work in partnership with OMRDD to help us become more efficient and effective with even the use of our base resources. And, in these tough fiscal times, I believe it's important to caution that future revisions to our budget are still possible. However, I want to reiterate the importance of not letting the fiscal difficulties facing our state cloud our vision when it comes to OMRDD's transformation agenda. Regardless of cut backs, deficits or reductions, our efforts to help individuals with developmental disabilities lead richer lives will continue to move forward. Additionally, OMRDD is steadfast in its commitment to work in partnership with our providers to make our already good system even better! Commissioner Ritter |
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
