Legislative Issues

December 13, 2010

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUESTED!

Write to Governor-Elect Cuomo & Your Legislators Now

We need your letters, calls and emails before the end of the year!

Next month, Governor-elect Andrew Cuomo will take office and begin working on the budget. He is expected to recommend the toughest budget in years on February 1st including proposing consolidating state agencies and possible harsh budget cuts to services.

Now is the time to:
• write to Governor-elect Cuomo and your legislators and ask them to preserve the critical services that people with developmental disabilities depend on each day of their lives.

• Advocate for the continuance of a separate and viable Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). For three decades, OPWDD (formerly OMRDD) has been the basis of unprecedented progress for people with developmental disabilities. Prior to the establishment of a separate office, people with developmental disabilities were relegated to state-run institutions, and it is only since the establishment of this office that people with developmental disabilities thrived in their communities with the rights and dignity of full citizenship. To eliminate OPWDD or consolidate it with another state agency would erase the progress we have made in three decades.

While we understand that efficiencies throughout State funded programs are imperative in the face of enormous fiscal challenges, OPWDD services cannot withstand additional substantial cuts. We urge you to ask your legislators not to enact indiscriminate cuts, but to work in close collaboration with parents, family members and the expertise of an intact OPWDD.

Write to your legislators today!

To find your Senator’s address go to: http://www.nysenate.gov/senators

To find your Assembly Member address go to: http://assembly.state.ny.us/

Download a sample parent letter

Download a sample staff letter 

Download a self advocate letter 

Your time and efforts are needed and appreciated!