As a [parent, caregiver, family member, self-advocate…],

 I’m grateful for the restoration of proposed funding cuts to OPWDD in the Assembly and Senate 2021-22 Budget bills as well as a COLA for nonprofit providers who serve over 90% of  people with IDD.This funding is desperately needed to sustain services for people with IDD.

I’m asking for your commitment and support throughout final budget negotiations by: 1) retaining the restored OPWDD budget cuts and COLA for nonprofit providers in the final budget and 2) Insuring that the additional Federal Medicaid Assistance Percentages (FMAP) temporary increase be spent on Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) as intended by Congress .

Individuals, families and friends across the state of New York are counting on your commitment to protect people with IDD.  We need you to defend our most vulnerable citizens.

Sincerely,