January 18, 2024

Please share the statement (attached) when meeting with state lawmakers about the urgent need for additional resources (well beyond the Governor’s proposed 1.5% COLA) to address our ongoing workforce crisis.  The Governor made the first move with 1.5% and we need the Legislature to do its part.  Remember:  It’s an election year for all Senate and Assembly representatives.  We need to keep reminding our representatives of how critically important your continued presence in the local community is to underserved New Yorkers, and how many constituents of theirs you employ – even with the current shortages.

Also please see a Press Release from the NYS Council re: the executive budget proposal that would mandate commercial insurers to pay (at least) the Medicaid rate for mental health and addiction services.  Kindly share the Release with local media contacts.

Thank you!