Assemblyman Ray Walter at an Opportunities Unlimited press conference advocating for disability funding that the governor has proposed be cut from the 2013-14 budget.
Assemblyman Ray Walter (R,C,I-Amherst) is advocating for the continued financing of disability programs that Gov. Cuomo has proposed to cut from the 2013-14 budget. Walter is calling on legislators, community leaders and the governor to oppose a six percent cut to private, non-profit providers of support to people with developmental disabilities. This six percent cut, outlined in the proposed state budget, equates to about $120 million which, when matched by the federal government, equates to a total cut of $240 million. These community-based, non-profit organizations impact 120,000 people.
“New York State can only be truly strong if we care for those who need our help the most, and these non-profits provide an absolutely vital service in a cost-effective manner,” said Walter. “The parallel system of services provided by the state to only 20 percent of the population of people with disabilities consumes over 50 percent of the resources, yet, the far more efficient and effective voluntary providers are shouldering the entire burden of this cut. This cannot stand. I have been speaking with the parents, families and individuals with disabilities, as well as many of the 12,500 employees of the agencies providing these supports and services in Western New York. The consensus is that this six percent cut is unmanageable and will be devastating to our community. My colleagues in both houses and Gov. Cuomo must realize the benefit community-based providers bring to these families and to the state. I will do everything in my power to restore this funding as part of the budget process.”
As part of his efforts, Walter has signed onto and helped circulate a bi-partisan letter, signed by more than 120 members, to Speaker Silver, and he authored and sent a letter of his own to Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb urging a full restoration of this crippling cut.