As New York moves closer to finalizing the state budget, Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Legislature must agree on the best funding plan to care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, or I/DD. The vast majority of New Yorkers with I/DD are supported by nonprofit agencies that provide everything from daily care to housing, transportation, employment support, medical services, and more. After more than a decade without adequate investment to cover the rising costs of care, we are in the midst of a systemic workforce crisis that threatens the stability and quality of support for New Yorkers with I/DD.New York Disability Advocates advocated for an increased investment in the I/DD system through a 7.8% Targeted Inflationary Increase, which would build on the governor’s proposed 2.1% increase and provide the resources needed to address the rising costs of services. This increase would ensure provider agencies can keep their doors open, pay fair wages, and deliver the essential care that New Yorkers with I/DD rely on. I/DD provider agencies are funded almost exclusively by Medicaid. Ensuring funding in the NYS budget is........

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