NYS Budget Extender Passed – Now is the Time to Advocate for the 4% TII

New York State has passed another budget extender as negotiations on the final state budget continue. These extenders are typically one-week measures to keep government operating, and the most recent action likely pushes the budget timeline to around April 21, 2026.

With budget discussions ongoing, this is a key opportunity for providers, staff, and advocates to make their voices heard.

DDAWNY is urging members to contact their legislators and advocate for a 4% Targeted Inflationary Increase (TII) for not-for-profit OPWDD providers. Over the past five years, inflation has risen by 23.7%, while service rates have only increased by 15.8%. The full 4% TII is essential to support fair wages for Direct Support Professionals and to sustain the programs that New Yorkers with I/DD rely on.

Members can use the following message when reaching out:

“I’m asking (legislator name) to push leadership to insist on a 4% Targeted Inflationary Increase for not-for-profit OPWDD providers in the final state budget. Over the past five years, inflation has soared by 23.7%, yet service rates have only increased by 15.8%. We need the full 4% increase to pay a fair wage to Direct Support Professionals and cover operating costs for the programs that New Yorkers with I/DD rely on. Thank you!”

A list of legislator contact information is included, and a one-click advocacy tool is also available on the DDAWNY Advocacy Page to make outreach simple and efficient.

Now is the time to act—your voice matters in ensuring the final budget reflects the needs of the I/DD community.