- New: 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 This outdated rule leads to millions of people with disabilities living at the poverty line due to an inability to save for emergencies or a more financially secure future.
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- Urgent: Reorganization of Administration for Community Living
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy announced a major reorganization that will dismantle the Administration for Community Living (ACL), a vital agency that has coordinated and protect programs for people with disabilities and older adults for over a decade. Instead of strengthening support, this plan scatters ACL’s programs across multiple agencies, potentially creating confusion, reducing visibility, and undermining funding. From NADSP.
TAKE ACTION - Urgent: Protect Medicaid for I/DD Services
The U.S. House of Representatives approved a budget resolution that paves the way for Medicaid cuts. As Congress continues to consider legislation that could deeply reduce federal Medicaid funding, we must take action and make our voices heard. Medicaid is a lifeline for people with I/DD, providing critical services and support that promote independence, inclusion, and well-being.
- Take Action: Share Your Story
Personal stories are powerful tools in advocacy. By sharing your experience, you can help policymakers understand the real impact of Medicaid and why these services must be protected. Use our Share Your Story tool to tell us how Medicaid has made a difference in your life, your family’s life, or your community. Your voice matters—let’s stand together to protect Medicaid and the essential services it provides.
SHARE YOUR STORY WITH THE ARC NEW YORK
- Advance Federal Recognition of the DSP Role
The U.S. Senate passed the “Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) Act” (S.1332/ H.R. 2941), which requires the Office of Management and Budget to consider updating the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) and recognizing the DSP role as a distinct profession. This leads to data collection and ideally more robust funding. The bill now goes to the House Representatives.
Send an email to your member of Congress.
At the State Level
On May 9, the FY2025-26 NYS Budget passed with a 2.6% targeted inflationary increase (TII) unrestricted in use. When considered with the 2024 rate rebasing, there’s been an almost 15% average rate increase for our largest programs in the last year. Additional investments include $75 million for regional disability clinics, expanded employment tax credits, and the permanence of the Preferred Source Program. Click here for more insight into how the FY2025-26 enacted budget supports disability services and the areas we must continue to advocate.
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).