It’s Happening Now! Support NYS’ Investment in Disability Services
The deadline to finalize the New York State Budget is April 1. Now, we must advocate to Gov. Hochul, the state senate, and assembly to consider including our requests for FY27, specifically:
- A 4% Targeted Inflationary Increase (TII) to ensure funding accounts for the increased cost of living , with at least 2.7% for agencies to invest in the everyday costs of operating the agency.
- The Careforce Affordability Initiative to support affordable housing, childcare and healthcare for direct care staff.
How to Get Involved
*Send an email by clicking here.
*Participate in the The Arc New York Call Campaign to state legislators! Find more information here to get started.
*Check out the full advocacy toolkit on NYS’ key issues here.
*Check out Key Learnings from the In-Person Advocacy Workshop in January to help you get started advocating!
Federal Issues to Consider
Federal funding has its own distinct process and priorities. Below are the priorities our community is seeking to advance. If you’re interested in learning more about the basics of federal funding, Medicaid, IDEA, and hold a successful meeting with legislators. Check out these videos from the 2026 Disability Policy Seminar.
-
Protect Medicaid & SNAP
The “One Big, Beautiful Bill” (OBBB) Act was signed into law—bringing with it significant changes to federal Medicaid and SNAP funding. Medicaid is a lifeline for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, making possible the services and supports that foster independence, inclusion, and quality of life.
Continue to share your support for Medicaid & SNAP
- If you or someone you know needs help finding meals, visit https://whyhunger.org/.
- Protect Special Education; Tell Congress to Conduct Oversight Hearings.
Anticipated movement of special education programs out of the Department of Education will likely reduce access and opportunities for children with disabilities through the loss of agency oversight, accountability and transparency. Urge Secretary plans to fulfill the Department’s full obligations under IDEA and other authorized disability laws.
Take action - Support SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act
The SSI Savings Elimination Act was recently reintroduced. For over 30 years, the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) asset limit has been set at $2,000, while the cost of living has risen dramatically. This outdated rule leads to millions of people with disabilities living at the poverty line due to an inability to save for emergencies or a more financially secure future.
Take Action - Advance Federal Recognition of the DSP Role
The “Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) Act” (S.3211, H.R. 6137) would require the federal Office of Management and Budget to consider updating the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) and recognizing the DSP role as a distinct profession. This would lead to data collection and ideally more robust funding.Send an email to your member of Congress
Stay Connected
- Sign up for AHRC’s Regional Advocacy Groups―to connect with fellow advocates and educate candidates on both sides of the aisle about disability rights.
- Find out who your elected officials are.
- Set up a “lobby visit” with your representatives.
- Share our social media posts (Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram).
- Know your resources, know your rights. New York Department of State’s Office for New Americans has released “Know Your Resources, Know Your Rights.” This is a guide for all New Yorkers, including immigrants, to explain your basic rights regarding interactions with law enforcement, food and nutrition resources, health and wellness, and employment. Click here to visit the website.