ADVOCATE TODAY Show Your Support for Issues That Matter at ahrc.org/advocate!

At the Federal Level

We need immediate action from Congress now, including:

• Funding for programs that allow people with disabilities to live at home in their communities, without having to wait years to get the supports they need.

• Passing the “Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act,” which requires the Office of Management and Budget to establish a separate category within the Standard Occupational Classification system for DSPs

In New York State

Continue to advocate for investment in sustainable disability services specifically:

• A proposed Direct Support Wage Enhancement (DSWE) to ensure agencies can raise the hourly rate of pay for direct care staff.

• An increased Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for disability providers to reduce financial pressures, from utilities to mandated fringe benefits. Doing so ensures that necessary data is collected to justify reimbursement rates and compensation for DSPs.

Thank You to Our Friends in Government

We appreciate the opportunity to connect with local legislators and their staffs to discuss cur rent issues impacting our community and opportunities for a more equitable future. Thank you to Representative Anthony D’Esposito; State Senator Kevin Thomas; Assemblymembers Charles Lavine, Jake Blumencranz, Edward Ra, and Gina Sillitti.

Three Ways to Get Involved in Less Than 10 Minutes

1.) Visit ahrc.org/advocate.

2.) Send one-click email messages letting your representatives know you support these issues.

3.) Repost/like our advocacy posts on AHRC social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram).