NY Sen. Skoufis presses for free Wi-Fi in all state-run group homes
By Paul Kirby pkirby@freemanonline.com
State Sen. James Skoufis Has Begun A Push To Get Free Wi-Fi In All State-Run Group Homes For The Developmentally Disabled.
Skoufis, D-Cornwall, says the lack of free internet access in the facilities is especially troublesome amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Every day that goes by and individuals in homes are denied basic access to Wi-Fi, the state is single-handedly impeding people’s ability to navigate essential services and communicate with their families,” Skoufis said in a prepared statement. “Adding insult to injury, most of these group homes already provide Wi-Fi to state employees.
“As the governor (Andrew Cuomo) proposes extending accessible and affordable internet service throughout the state, it’s imperative that this state-caused injustice is addressed as well,” the senator added. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this important bill and provide a fundamental, basic service to some of our state’s most vulnerable individuals.”
Skoufis, other state lawmakers and advocates for the disabled called on the state this week to rectify the situation, and they said the lawmakers will introduce legislation “requiring all of the state’s group homes offer free Wi-Fi to their developmentally disabled residents.”
Skoufis said that despite the pandemic, the state continues to insist that individuals in group homes pay for their own internet access.
The senator said it would cost the state $900,000 per year to provide Wi-Fi service to its group homes.
Doug Hovey, president and chief executive officer of Newburgh-based Independent Living Inc., praised Skoufis’ effort.
“I can’t think of anything more important than being able to communicate with our families and loved ones especially during the pandemic,” Hovey said in a statement. “Governor Cuomo intends to make Wi-Fi universally accessible for all people, including low income-families who may not have the financial ability to pay for Wi-Fi access, which is commendable. The governor must also immediately provide Wi-Fi for people with developmental disabilities living in state-operated group homes and community residences.”
Skoufis represents New York’s 39th Senate District, which comprises the Ulster County towns of Plattekill and Marlborough, central and eastern Orange County, and the northern tip of Rockland County.
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State Lawmakers to Introduce Legislation To Fund Wi-Fi For Residents In State Group Homes
ALBANY – Led by State Senator James Skoufis (D, Cornwall), a group of lawmakers will introduce legislation for the state to fund Wi-Fi access for all people living in state-operated group homes and living facilities.
Skoufis said it would cost under $1 million per year to fund the program. He has unsuccessfully asked the state’s Office for People with Developmental Disabilities to provide the money.
“To not provide internet to be able to talk with on Facetime or Zoom with loved ones. Not to be able to potentially provide the resources necessary for those who are in school to be able to get an education. To not provide internet for telemedicine. A lot of these residents can’t get to a doctor’s office,”he said.
Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther (D, Forestburgh), chairwoman of the Committee on Mental Health, said it is “absurd” that the state is not providing free Wi-Fi for their residents. “Some families haven’t seen their loved ones in nearly a year and internet may be their only way of connecting.”
“In a COVID world, internet access is the lifeline for people with disabilities to be part of the resident of the community,” said Assemblyman Thomas Abinanti (D, Tarrytown), chairman of the Committee on Disabilities.
Doug Hovey, president and CEO of Independent living, Inc., headquartered in Newburgh, said he “can’t think of anything more important than being able to communicate with our families and loved ones especially during the pandemic.