Legislative
For decades, New York state has not made adequate investments to sustain the essential programs and services people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) rely on. This systemic underfunding has driven us into a critical staffing crisis and eroded New York’s system of supports for its citizens with I/DD. The data speaks for itself:
- Average statewide staff turnover rate is 31%
- Turnover costs for non-profit providers have risen to more than $100 million annually
- Nearly 20,000 critical Direct Support positions are vacant statewide
- A 17% staff vacancy rate means New Yorkers with disabilities are missing out on needed care and support
Now we must inform Governor Hochul how she can help address these issues in her 2024-25 Executive Budget. Our goals are twofold:a
- Establish a $4,000 wage investment for staff
- Include the statutory 3.2% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)
With just a few clicks you can directly send Governor Hochul and the NYS Legislature a message by using this online form. You may customize who you are in the first paragraph as you see fit (parent, self-advocate, caretaker, supporter, etc.).
Assemblyman Mike Durso Visits CP Nassau
As part of our ongoing Legislative efforts, Assistant Executive Director Peter Dolan has reached out to Assemblyman Mike Durso throughout the year and visited with him in his local office in Massapequa Park.
Candle-Making for a Cause Fundraiser Held on Dec 9 at Halarosis Shop
We are grateful to Joanna V, owner of the Halarosis Candle Shop at the Roosevelt Field mall who put together an event to help raise funds to benefit programs at CP Nassau. “Halarosis” is Greek for “relaxation.” Joanna’s sister Patty is a participant at the CP Nassau...
The NICE Holiday Bus Makes a Fun Stop at the Children’s Learning Center
Barbara Mercer, faculty member at the Children’s Learning Center was recently at a meeting of the NICE (Nassau Inter-County Express) Bus company and met Erika Richards.