Update: April 4, 2023 … Support ILC Funding and Access to Home in the State Budget!
We are asking advocates to help us secure final inclusion in the state budget of additional funding for Independent Living Centers and the Access to Home program.
We need you to call your local representatives and urge them to get the Governor and leaders in the Legislature to include ILCs in the human services COLA and an increase for Access to Home.
Click the button below to go to our action alert center where we will look up your representatives' phone numbers and give you a sample script.
The New York State budget deadline is only days away. It's time for one more push on funding for key programs serving people with disabilities. Here is what you can do to help ...
From the New York Association on Independent Living …
Share the message on social media, #SupportILCs and #AccessToHomeNY. Download our social media toolkit. Follow what's going on through Facebook and Twitter.
Make calls to the following people in support ILCs inclusion in the Human Services COLA and Access to Home!
Governor Hochul: 518-474-8390
Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins: 518-455-2585
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie: 518-455-3791
Ask the Education Chairs to include ILCs in the Human Services COLA! Additional funding to support ILCs.
Chair of the Senate Education Committee, Senator Shelley Mayer: 518-455-2031
Chair of the Assembly Education Committee, Assemblymember Michael Benedetto: 518-455-5296
Ask the Housing Chairs to support additional funding for Access to Home! Home modifications for people with disabilities.
Senate Housing Chair, Senator Brian Kavanagh: 518-455-2625
Assembly Housing Chair, Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal: 518-455-5802
Support all of the disability advocacy groups today online at #CDPAisEssential and #FairPay4HomeCare.
From the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Association of New York State …
How to Support Today's FINAL PUSH for Fair Pay & CDPA!
It is the final week before the final budget passes and anything could happen. While we gather in Albany for the final push today with NYAIL and NY Caring Majority, our grassroots base can provide tremendous support from home. It takes only a few minutes but your impact will spread!
Below are a few ways you can get the message out to support this last week before budget, expressing opposition to Governor Hochul's attacks on CDPA and support for the Legislature's measures.
We have also included a list of talking points you can share with your elected officials - ask them to speak up and use these talking points in conference with their colleagues.
1. GET SOCIAL!
We have developed a social media toolkit including sample posts and graphics for you to share on Twitter, Facebook and other networks.
The toolkit explains what we are working to support as well as what we are working to fight against. You are welcome to share with anyone you wish.
Click here to view the social media toolkit, including sample tweets.
You can also watch our social media channels to like, retweet, quote tweet and share with your networks. Don't forget to tag your legislators!
2. Join CDANY as an Individual Member.
There are significant costs to running months-long advocacy campaigns. Joining as an Individual Member is a great way to demonstrate your commitment and support of the work we do - plus joining unlocks a host of discounts and possibilities.
Link to join as an Individual Member.
3. Share Your Story!
Please see below the link to share your story and answer questions regarding this year's budget. This information will be kept confidential. If you need it in a different format, please let us know!
If you are interested in disability advocacy issues like these, contact Colleen Downs, Systems Advocate at:
518-563-9058 Ext. 110
The Mission of the North Country Center for Independence is to help people with disabilities to live more independent and productive lives, and promote better policies and community understanding of disability issues. NCCI serves people with disabilities, families, and the community on issues related to physical and mental disabilities. NCCI is led and staffed mostly by people with disabilities. It is one of the 41 Independent Living Centers in New York State. There are also hundreds of similar centers throughout the United States. NCCI serves Clinton and Essex Counties, New York.