February 4, 2026

Beginning at 9:30, members of the Assembly and Senate Mental Hygiene Committees will take testimony from state leaders, and stakeholders on the topic of the Governor’s executive budget plan, and specifically, the Mental Hygiene portion of her SFY 27 proposal that was released several weeks ago.  I will be testifying on behalf of our members.

The hearings will be available for viewing on the Senate and Assembly websites. The Legislative Channel (on cable systems throughout the state) also will carry the proceedings.

The event begins at 9:30 a.m. when the members of the Committee will hear from OMH Commissioner Sullivan, OASAS Commissioner Cunningham, and OPWDD Commissioner Willow Baer.  Lawmakers will be permitted to ask the Commissioners questions at the end of their formal testimony. After the Commissioners have appeared, hearing witnesses previously selected to address the Committee, will each be permitted 3 minutes to address the members of the Committee.

Note:  Yesterday I represented our members at a well attended Press Conference co-hosted by 11 statewide associations (including the NYS Council), calling on members of the Legislature to increase the Governor’s proposed 1.7% Targeted Inflationary Increase (TII) to (at a minimum) 2.7%, and today I will participate in a press event designed to highlight the needs of the OASAS system of care, the New Yorkers it serves (as well as those that have yet to secure the services they need), and the essential providers that need increased investments in order to deliver on the promises they make to New Yorkers seeking their support.  I managed to squeeze in our request for a carve out during the first event, and I will speak directly to our request for a carve out at the presser today.

The NYS Council prepared written testimony that will be entered into the Mental Hygiene hearing record (see attached).   I have also attached the Witness List (attached) for today’s hearing.