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This year, YAI hosted New York State legislator visits to 20 different programs in New York City and the Hudson Valley, making sure state legislators got a close-up view of the work DSPs do every day. Legislators heard from people we support and DSPs about the challenges of the workforce crisis, the need for additional funding and support, and also the joys of living and working in a YAI home. It was made clear, over and over, that the services YAI provides are a necessary and worthwhile investment.
YAI also hosted two legislative breakfasts, bringing over 25 legislators to Headquarters and Tarrytown Day Hab, along with staff, and parents. At all events, YAI presented the demands going into the 2024 New York legislative session - a $4,000 Direct Support Wage Enhancement (DSWE) to directly increase direct support salaries by $2.19 an hour, and a 3.5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for I/DD services across the board, among other priority issues. YAI is united with I/DD providers across the state in making these demands to further combat the workforce crisis.
If you are a New York State resident, go to yai.org/advocacy right now to write a letter that will be delivered to your State representatives and Governor Kathy Hochul, reminding them that their constituents need these demands met in the budget.