Alliance Update from the Capital:
I’ve spent the last two days gathering more information on the state of budget negotiations and continuing to push our priorities like the flexible 3.2% Cost of Living Adjustment.
While the Governor’s announcement of the “parameters” of the final budget yesterday created the impression a deal had been reached, we have been told by legislators in the capital that negotiations are still ongoing and could last throughout the week.
A major item the legislators are still deliberating on is the flexible 3.2% COLA for human services agencies. I am joining other statewide advocates to speak with more lawmakers to educate them about why the current proposed language is inadequate to support our agencies as needed and ensure our needs are represented during negotiations. It is still unclear whether the investment in agencies and the workforce will be included.
I am also continuing to push for Daniel’s Law pilot funding along with our legislative champions, Senator Samra Brouk and Assemblymember Harry Bronson. We still have not received any indication the legislature and Governor approved any funding for these deeply needed pilots. New Yorkers cannot wait another year to get appropriate health responses to mental health and substance use crises.
We are also still pushing for funding for critical programs including Peer Bridgers to support more people as they leave the hospital and INSET programs to voluntarily support people who would otherwise be eligible for court mandated treatment.
Although many of the items we have spent the year pushing for are still not guaranteed, I and the rest of the Alliance team will continue to fight for what we know New Yorkers need until the budget is finalized and passed. Until then, we will do everything we can to push the legislature and governor to truly listen to the needs of New Yorkers experiencing mental health, substance use, and trauma related challenges.
Monitor this email for updates as we get more information about the budget process and whether our priorities are included.
Luke Sikinyi
Director of Public Policy and Public Engagement
The Alliance for Rights and Recovery
194 Washington Ave. Suite 400
Albany, New York 12210
Cell: 518-703-0264
Office: 518-436-0008