We are stronger together!
Advocacy is an essential part of our culture at The Arc Westchester. It is important not only to the people who receive services from us, but also their parents, support staff and the community at large. We are all concerned about getting the best services that are properly funded, and supported by staff who are respected and earn a living wage. Parents want to be sure that their family members have a vibrant future and are treated fairly and compassionately. None of this happens without a tremendous advocacy effort from all of us.
An Informed Advocate is a Strong Advocate
Click on the links below to get started being a strong advocate. Please share on social media and with friends, family, and colleagues throughout New York State. We cannot thank you enough for being a part of our collective voice and our strength.
Medicaid is our Lifeline
The House and Senate are still in the process of negotiating a joint budget reconciliation resolution, which is anticipated to include a reduction of federal spending by approximately $1.7 Trillion Dollars. Most of those savings are expected to come from the Medicaid program — Medicaid cuts could exceed $880 Billion.
Medicaid funding is already under strain, and these cuts would have a devastating effect on The Arc Westchester:
• All Programs Will Be Jeopardized
• Further Destabilize of our Workforce
• Force NYS to Absorb Costs from Taxpayers
Tell Governor Hochul to Meet our Requests for the 2025-2026 Budget
We are calling on state leaders to include the following requests in the 2025-26 New York State Budget:
- Investment in I/DD services through a 7.8% Medicaid rate increase to stabilize non-profit provider agencies
- Creation of a Wage Commission to examine the roles and responsibilities of human service workers and establish fair, sustainable compensation standards commensurate with that work.
- Enhanced Capital Funding to help agencies modernize their operations, making them more energy-efficient and in alignment with the state’s climate goals. Click Here
Let our Voice be HEARD
Please urge our state legislators to increase their investment in our workforce, acknowledging their vital role in the lives of those we care for. Your advocacy has always made a substantial impact in Albany. By clicking HERE, you can join us in appealing for a direct support wage enhancement and a 3.2% cost of living adjustment for the forthcoming 2024-2025 budget.
The Arc New York Advocacy Center
Join The Arc of New York to help build a larger, stronger movement of people with disabilities, parents, siblings, and allies to advocate for the full inclusion and civil rights of all people. Take action now!
Full List of your Representatives!
Stay up today on who represents you at the Federal, State, and Local levels of government. Along with links to their websites, contact information, social media handles, and which committees they are apart of!
