On Tuesday March 17th 2009 approximately 100 advocates from independent living centers from across the state converged on the Capital Building in Albany New York to participate in increasing the awareness of the legislature and governor of we as people with disabilities and about our priorities for long term care and community integration in the 2009-10 state budget and state disability policies.
In an email message on March 19th, Melanie Shaw Executive Director of the New York Association on Independent Living (NYAIL) said that “our visit to a packed Capitol Tuesday was timely and effective, as leaders of the Assembly and Senate continue negotiations with Governor Paterson towards passing an on time budget April 1st. We gained the support of Sen. Tom Duane and Assemblyman Richard Gottfried for our proposal to increase access to CDPAP.”
She also said that “We are very hopeful there will be no cuts to home care and personal care, nor to SSI benefits for people who live in the community. The negotiations are ongoing however and we will continue to update you.”
According to Melanie, that By 11:30 a.m. there were over 100 disability advocates in neon green shirts with colorful signs gathered in the War Room of the State Capitol.
The following link will take you to some pictures taken at the Albany protest on St. Patrick’s Day, courtesy of the Center for Disability Rights (CDR).
http://www.facebook.com/editphoto.php?aid=69764&id=13882767549#/album.php?aid=69764&id=13882767549
We asked state legislative leaders and the governor to:
· Increase consumer direction in Medicaid-funded long term care through increased access to the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP), a move which will generate substantial Medicaid savings in a time of state budget crisis.
· Stop cuts to personal care and home care services
· Restore funding to Independent Living Centers that help people with disabilities stay in the community and avoid institutionalization
· Stop cuts to SSI for people with disabilities who live in the community
Melanie continued by explaining, that “in no time, our presence was known and the leadership team met with Joe Baker, Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services for the Governor, Val Grey, Assistant Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services, and Mark Kissinger, Deputy Commissioner for Long Term Care for the New York State Department of Health. Following his discussion with the leadership team, Joe Baker addressed advocates in the War Room, emphasizing the importance of our advocacy to the governor and legislature. Shortly thereafter, Senator Tom Duane, new chair of the Senate Health Committee also addressed the group, assuring those gathered that he will work with people with disabilities in his new role toward full community integration.”
After we left the War Room, we gathered in small groups near all entrances to the Senate and Assembly Chambers in preparation for session beginning at 3:30 p.m. Flyers with our message were distributed to legislators as they arrived for session and many stopped to discuss the issues with members of our group.
Finally a large group of hardy advocates made their way to the LOB and paid a visit to Assemblyman Gottfried’s office to reinforce the message of the day.
Melanie expresses her thanks to everyone who made the trip to Albany from all across the state to voice their priorities for long-term care and community integration in the 2009-10 state budget including the leadership team, CDR for staffing, planning and funding assistance, our lobbyist Kevin Cleary who was with us throughout the day and CDPAANYS.
Melanie Shaw
Executive Director
New York Association on Independent Living
One Commerce Plaza
99 Washington Ave., Suite 806A
Albany, NY 12210
Ph. 518-465-4650
FAX 518-465-4625
Email
mshaw@ilny.org
Website
www.ilny.org
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