Assemblyman Brian Maher (R,C-Walden) is continuing to advocate for a targeted 4% inflationary increase for New York’s direct service professionals as state budget negotiations remain unresolved.

Maher’s call comes following a recent report from State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli highlighting that incomes for many New Yorkers are not keeping pace with inflation. According to the report, inflation rose by 23.1% between 2019 and 2024, while many households across the state saw little or no real income growth.

Maher said the report reinforces the urgent need to support the workforce that cares for New Yorkers with developmental disabilities, mental health needs and other critical services.

“With a budget the size of New York’s, it would be unconscionable for our direct service professionals not to receive this targeted 4% increase,” said Meghan Hurlburt, chief of staff to Assemblyman Brian Maher. “These workers show up every day for families who depend on them, providing compassion and care that goes far beyond a paycheck. Yet many are struggling just to keep up with rising costs. If we truly value their work, we need to support them with this targeted increase.”

“Household incomes for too many New Yorkers have not kept pace with the stubborn inflation we continue to feel today,” DiNapoli said. “When real incomes decline, people struggle to maintain the same quality of life. Continued focus on addressing the state’s affordability challenges, as well as efforts to increase the growth of well-paying jobs across the state, are needed to ensure that all residents have the opportunity to thrive.”

Maher said the comptroller’s findings further highlight the need for meaningful affordability relief and continued investment in essential workers. In addition to advocating for the targeted 4% increase for direct service professionals, Maher is co-sponsoring legislation to eliminate sales tax on dozens of everyday household items for two years, including gasoline, personal care products and prepared foods (A.7417), as well as legislation to expand the Earned Income Tax Credit for working families by increasing the state credit from 30% to 45% of the federal amount (A.2498).

“These workers show up every day for families who depend on them, providing compassion and care that goes far beyond a paycheck,” said Hurlburt. “Yet many are struggling just to keep up with rising costs. If we truly value their work, we need to support them with this targeted increase.”