Advocate

Protect Medicaid for I/DD Services
The “One Big, Beautiful Bill” (OBBB) Act has been signed into law—bringing with it significant cuts to federal Medicaid funding. This is a deeply disappointing moment. Medicaid is a lifeline for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, making possible the services and supports that foster independence, inclusion, and quality of life. Thank you for raising your voice these past few weeks. Your advocacy matters. Now is the time to rest, regroup, and return ready to continue the fight for disability rights together.
—Learn more about the “One Big, Beautiful Act.”
–Connect with elected officials on how they voted.

The Impact on State Services
The passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” is expected to prompt significant changes in the New York State Legislature, as leaders work to address the impact of cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and other essential programs affecting vulnerable New Yorkers.

Governor Hochul recently issued a statement about New York’s response to OBBB. In a recent LinkedIn post, OPWDD Commissioner Baer explained, “New federal cuts undermine our ability to provide the greatest quality support for people with developmental disabilities, removing the very safety net health services and benefits people with developmental disabilities rely on for physical wellness and safety in the community. Our resolve and our advocacy for the disability community, however, will only continue to grow.”

Updates are anticipated in the FY2025–26 Budget by the NYS Legislature in the coming months. View the original budget and stay tuned for ways to advocate for programs that support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).