CALL TO ACTION ALERTS October 21, 2009: GOVERNOR PATTERSON PROPOSES DEVASTATING 10% OMRDD PROGRAM REDUCTIONS
FROM AHRC NASSAU: Governor Paterson has proposed a Deficit Reduction Plan that would cut OMRDD programs by 10%. The impact across NY State’s voluntary providers appears to be an annualized reduction of $375 million – which AHRC Nassau believes will force the closure of day programs, force staff layoffs and prevent the operation of Camp Loyaltown in 2010. These are devastating cuts to all agencies serving the developmentally disabled.
The Governor is asking the New York State Legislature to approve his “Deficit Reduction Plan” containing the largest cuts in the history of our services at a Special Legislative Session scheduled for October 27th.
We need your calls, letters and emails TODAY. Call your State Senator and Assembly Member and TELL THEM TO OPPOSE the Governor’s Deficit Reduction Plan for OMRDD to protect the health and safety of persons with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.
You can find download a sample parent letter or find talking points and at: www.ahrc.org/legislativeissues
To find your Senator’s phone number go to: http://www.nysenate.gov/senators
To find your Assemblyperson’s phone number go to: http://assembly.state.ny.us/
Please call the following elected officials as well:
Speaker Sheldon Silver: Albany 518-455-3791; District 212-312-1420
Senate President Pro Tem Malcolm Smith: Albany 518-455-2701; District 718-528-4290
Senate Majority Leader Pedro Espada Albany 518-455-3395; District 718-220-5480
Democratic Conference Leader John Sampson: Albany 518-455-2788; District 718-649-7653
The New York State Senate has announced the following dates and locations for hearings on the Governor’s Deficit Reduction Plan (DRP):
It is important that both the Senate and Assembly hear from family members, individuals and staff so that they are aware of the devastating impact that these cuts will have on their constituents.
In order to testify at any of the Senate hearings, please call Senator Kruger’s office at (518) 455-2460 and ask for Kristin. The hearing room must be packed with family members, individuals and staff identifiable as advocates for AHRC Nassau.
Whether or not you plan on attending we urge you to please call your Senator and Assembly Member and tell them that we cannot sustain the Governor’s Deficit Reduction Plan for OMRDD.
New York City: Monday, October 26: 10 A.M. to 2 P.M., US Customs House, 1 Bowling Green< NY, NY
Suffolk County: Tuesday, October 27: 10 A.M. to 2 P.M., Brookhaven Town Hall, Auditorium - 2nd Floor,
1 Independence Hill, Farmingville
Thank you for your anticipated efforts on behalf of AHRC Nassau and the more than 3,000 children and adults supported daily by the agency.