Budget Boosts Disability Services with Major Funding Increases

In a recent government meeting, the outgoing commissioner of the Family Support Services (FSS) agency provided a comprehensive overview of the fiscal year 2025 budget, which has seen a significant increase of approximately $429 million, bringing the total agency budget to $5.2 billion—a 9% rise. This budget is primarily funded through state dollars and Medicaid, effectively raising the total spending to nearly $10 billion.

A key highlight of the budget is the allocation of $89 million for a 2.84% cost of living adjustment (COLA) for provider agencies, which is mandated to ensure that at least 1.7% of this funding is directed towards increasing staff salaries. This measure aims to address ongoing workforce challenges in the sector. Additionally, $79 million is earmarked for rebasing service rates for the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), ensuring that provider costs are accurately reflected and updated.

The budget also includes $45 million to help providers meet minimum wage requirements and $6.7 million to support New York's initiative to become an \"employment first\" state, promoting meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. This funding will likely be distributed as grants to disability service providers.

Further investments include $3 million for home enabling supports as assistive technology, aimed at helping individuals live independently, and $15 million for developing supported housing. The agency has committed a total of $60 million to explore new service opportunities to adapt to the evolving needs of the community.

The commissioner emphasized the importance of community engagement, announcing upcoming strategic planning forums to gather feedback from stakeholders. These forums will include a new question-and-answer format to foster dialogue and interaction.

In addition to these budgetary measures, the agency is actively working to enhance the direct support workforce through a partnership with the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals, which has already certified nearly 2,000 direct support professionals (DSPs) across 21 college campuses.

The meeting concluded with clarifications regarding the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP), assuring attendees that OPWDD's financial intermediary program remains unaffected by recent budget changes. The commissioner expressed gratitude for the collaboration and support received during their tenure, as they prepare for a transition to the acting commissioner, Willow Wear.