February 9, 2026

Good afternoon, We are currently focused on immediate advocacy efforts designed to ensure our request for a carve out is included in the upcoming Assembly ‘one house budget bill’ to be released towards the end of the month.  It is absolutely CRITICAL that our carve out request be included in both one-house bills.

Assemblywoman Jo Ann Simon (Chair, Assembly Mental Health Committee, and our Assembly bill sponsor) is circulating a ‘budget letter’ for her Assembly colleagues to sign on to.  The Budget Letter urges her colleagues to endorse the letter that requests the Speaker include our request (for a carve out) in the ASSEMBLY one house budget bill.  (The letter is attached for your information and just in case someone in a legislative office you have called asks you to send it to them).  The Assembly deadline to get letters into Speaker Heastie is 2/11.  

Please call your Assemblymember TODAY AND TOMORROW with the following request for their support regarding our behavioral health carve out of Medicaid managed care:Call your State Assemblymember (Switchboard number: 518-455-4100): Tell them that Assemblymember Simon (MH Chair) has circulated a “budget sign on letter” (attached) which will be sent to Assembly Speaker Heastie urging the Speaker to include the behavioral health carve out of Medicaid managed care in their one-house budget bill and the final state budget.  

ASK YOUR ASSEMBLYMEMBER TO PLEASE SIGN ON!  Deadline is 2/11 and they can do so by letting Assemblymember Simon’s office know (pasquantonios@nyassembly.gov)

THANK YOU!!