It was a sunny, chilly day in Albany, and the energy in the air was palpable. People from all walks of life flocked to the War Room in the New York State Capital building, all with one specific goal: have their voices heard by Governor Kathy Hochul. The words, “Invest in me, invest in US” echoed throughout the room, a plea to legislators to support New Yorkers with I/DD by advocating for a 7.8% Medicaid rate increase, adequate wages for human service workers, and enhanced capital funding to ensure quality care.

In addition to the chants, rally attendees wore orange to support the cause and there were many signs urging legislators to support adequate funding for the human service industry. There were speeches given, including one by Living Resources CEO, Elizabeth Martin. One heartfelt message from an individual with Cerebral Palsy urged lawmakers to increase funding so she can have better bus drivers and keep the staff she has. She told her story and emphasized how important transportation is to someone in a wheelchair like her. The crowd was roaring by the time she finished her speech.

In Elizabeth Martin’s speech, she noted that the price of vehicles and auto maintenance has skyrocketed since 2019. That’s why Living Resources is currently seeking donations to buy a new van! Transportation is paramount in living a life of independence, dignity, and happiness, and we want as many individuals out and about living their best lives. Visit https://bit.ly/LRannualappeal2024 to help us purchase a new wheelchair van for the individuals we support.

Advocacy season is off to a roaring start with the first rally, we can’t wait to see what’s in store for the rest of the season! If you would like to help us spread the message to lawmakers, call your local legislator today and tell them, “WE CAN’T WAIT FOR 7.8!”.

The event was organized by New York Disabilities Advocates (NYDA). Organizers say more rallies are being planned in the months ahead and our Living Resources team plans to be there, to continue our advocacy efforts. To keep up to date on future events, follow our Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages.

Top Advocacy Items:

  • Investment in I/DD services through a 7.8% Medicaid rate increase to stabilize non-profit provider agencies.
  • Creation of a Wage Commission to examine the roles and responsibilities of human service workers and establish fair, sustainable compensation standards commensurate with that work.
  • Enhanced Capital Funding to help agencies modernize their operations, making them more energy-efficient and in alignment with the state’s climate goals.

How You Can Get Involved:

–              The Arc New York has launched a website that you can use to send a customizable message directly to Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature demanding that they invest in the workforce that supports the I/DD community. Click here to access that tool and make your voice heard: https://p2a.co/dk6jiuq

a group of people stand holding signs advocating for better wages for direct support professionals. Example signs read "Fund Living Wages Now" and "Make Decent Salary a Priority".
A woman with short hair wearing an orange shirt in a wheelchair holds a microphone to her mouth during a speech.
A woman with glasses and an orange safety vest on holds the microphone to her hand during a speech. A sign is above her head that reads "Invest In Me".
A woman in an orange shirt holds a piece of paper in one hand held high and holds a microphone in the other hand to her mouth. She is giving a speech.
A woman and two men stand in orange and pose for the camera.
Image is of a sign that reads "Invest In Me. We demand more from Albany".
Image is of a sign that reads "2, 4, 6 ... we want 7.8%!" The sign is perched on a speaker and has 2 microphones in front of it.
Image depicts 4 peoples in orange holding signs and posing for the camera. They are at a rally in Albany.
A woman stands giving a speech. She is holding the microphone in one hand and a piece of paper in the other. She is wearing an orange shirt and jeans.