Assemblyman David DiPietro (R,C-East Aurora) has signed on to legislation protecting persons with developmental disabilities from being forced to leave their nonintegrated workplaces if they would like to stay. The state plans to fully eliminate funding for nonintegrated settings over the next six years. Eliminating these funds would have an adverse effect in rural areas, and would further limit options available for the developmentally disabled community.

“I am proud to sign on to this legislation, which gives those affected by this action a voice in the matter,” DiPietro said. “We shouldn’t be forcing people out of their jobs. If a person with a developmental disability likes their job, they should be able to continue to work there. This legislation helps our community and will allow us to continue to provide for members of our community with developmental disabilities.”

The legislation, Assembly Bill 5959, has been referred to the Assembly Committee on Mental Health for further action. For more information regarding this legislation, please contact DiPietro’s district office at 716-655-0951.