A 4% increase in spending to provide support services for New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities won't go far enough in addressing their needs, advocates on Monday said.
New York's state budget is set to include the 4% increase after advocates and organizations that provide support for people with disabilities called for an 8.5% raise in money for support services.
The coalition New York Disabilities Advocates in a statement called the final 4% increase "a major disappointment."
"We needed 8.5% to continue providing vital support and services to people with disabilities," the coalition said. "Now, nonprofit providers and New York state will need to figure out how to continue to provide services with 4.5% less than what’s needed to maintain the status quo."
The groups pointed to workers at the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities increasing direct service provider spending by 13%, making it harder for non-profit entities to provide a competitive rate.
"More importantly, the DSWE will provide over 130,000 New Yorkers with I/DD, their families, and the staff they rely on with the recognition and support they need to thrive," the groups said.