In three weeks, the New York State Senate and Assembly will finalize their 2024 One House Budgets, and we remain hopeful that lawmakers will include an 8.5% cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) increase for nonprofit provider agencies and Direct Support Wage Enhancement (DSWE) for direct support staff to finally put an end to the workforce crisis that has challenged our community for far too long.
Over the next three weeks, we’re calling on YOU to help us make some noise and remind lawmakers that care can’t wait – the time is NOW to prioritize these crucial investments for the I/DD community and those who care for them.
One of the most effective ways to make your voice heard is by using social media to share your story and advocate for change. That’s why the New York Disability Advocates has prepared a social media toolkit that contains example posts, downloadable graphics, talking points and other helpful tips to help advocates and supporters like you take action online.
By Tweeting or posting on Facebook once or multiple times per day leading up to the budget announcements, we can remind our elected officials that the I/DD community has a voice and we’re not afraid to use it.
When you post, don’t forget to tag your local Senate and Assembly members and the New York Disability Advocates (@nydisabilityadv). To identify your elected officials and find their social handles, visit https://www.elections.ny.gov/district-map.html and enter your zip code.