New York State Budget Advances; cOLA Uncertain

April is approaching, with the hope of warmer weather and long days of sunshine. April also happens to be the time of year that New York State passes its budget. A time when many New Yorkers, myself included, wait hopefully for news that will make a difference in how we at Springbrook can operate and support the people we serve and employ.

For over a decade, Springbrook, like many other nonprofit agencies supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, faced underfunding, increased costs, and budget cuts resulting in a workforce crisis. The pandemic exacerbated that crisis but forced all of us to understand, respect and be grateful for the essential workforce recognized in the cost of Living Adjustment. Our highly skilled professional workforce provides 24hour support for people with I/DD. Their work is the very foundation of what we do at Springbrook, supporting people at every stage of their life.

At Springbrook, we have always advocated: not just for the people we serve, but for the essential employees who are there every day to meet the needs of individuals and families at school, in their homes, and in the community. Over the past year, we have promoted issues related to the intellectual and developmental disability community and their care; we have invested in calls to action to raise the wage for our direct support professionals, teachers, therapists, and staff. These actions were heard, and the state answered with a unani- mous YES to continue supporting persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, caregivers, staff, and advocates.

On March 16th, the Senate took a crucial step in reversing the employment crisis when the Senate majority budget resolution was advanced. The resolution includes the addition of an 8.5 percent cOLA. This increase will provide critical funds for the services not-for-profit organizations like Springbrook provide and, most notably, those on the frontline of support for nonprofit providers serving people with developmental disabilities. This step has been made possible with the support of direct support professionals, advocates, and families who made their voices heard in the call to action. However, we still have much to advocate for. This 8.5 percent cOLA is only the first step. As community members, Springbrook employees live, work, and volunteer locally and forever give back to the community to which they belong. This is why continuing our advocacy work and answering calls to action is essential.

Now, we can only hope that the final New York State budget commits to their continued support of people with I/DD, their families, the people who provide their direct support, advocates and caregivers, and the organizations that hold it all together by voting yes on the final budget on April 1st.

Patricia Kennedy is the chief executive officer of Springbrook.

Oneonta Common Council Discusses University Zoning Changes

ONEONTA—The Oneonta common council continued its ongoing discussion of university zoning on Tuesday, March 21. code Enforcement Officer Stephen Yerly presented a new map separating Wood Ridge Apartments from the adjacent Hillside commons apartments, placing the latter in the University Transect 3 zone and leaving the former in a residential zone. The council will allow short-term rentals in Hillside commons, which it has determined is primarily student housing. council members chose to allow up to 50 percent of properties in compatible zones to be used for shortterm rentals. The zoning discussion also covered changes to setback and square footage requirements.

MERL REAGLE

April 2, 1838

Advertisement—Spring Term of cooperstown Seminary—

Opens March 27, 1863. Pupils from a distance are expected to board in the Institution unless special arrangement is made with the Principal by the Parents or Guardian. Terms for Board: Washing, Fuel, Furnished Room and Tuition, in common English, $40 per Term of 14 weeks. Tuition in Primary Department, or in Reading, Spelling, Arithmetic, Grammar and Geography: $4.00; Tuition in Higher English, including common English, $7.00; Tuition in Latin and Greek, including Higher English, $8.00; Tuition in Piano Music and Vocalization, each $12.00; Use of Instrument, $3.00; Tuition in Guitar Music, $7; Tuition in French and German, each, $6.00; Tuition in Oil Painting, $11.00; Tuition in Penmanship and Book Keeping, single and double entry, $2; Tuition in commercial course, $12.00. Address R.c Flack, cooperstown, N.Y.

March 27, 1863

110 Years Ago

Excerpts from a paper titled “Our Boys” read by Mrs. W.G. cortright of cooperstown before the State Universalist Sunday School Association: “How I rejoice when I learn of a church that has cast off its fetters and entered the race to overtake its young people. There is much each church can do. Let her form societies under her auspices for physical culture. What greater need has the developing boy than of systematic physical training? Who can chaperone it better than the church? Let her have tennis courts, baseball nines, rowing, skating rinks and moving picture shows for her young, and all the amusements possible. Some of you draw the line at the thought of the moving picture in connection with the church. But, do you realize the power of a picture? I believe, if rightly directed and supervised by the church, the motion picture can be made the greatest stepping stone toward the christian life of our childhood. For too long, we have made the mistake of thinking these things are the open doors to an evil life.”

March 26, 1913

85 Years Ago

Where Nature Smiles—Good music by Ted Yale and his Sons of Swing for a good crowd was reported at the dance held Friday evening of last week at the Fly creek Grange Hall. The event was held for the benefit of the cooperstown firemen’s uniform fund. In addition to the proceeds of the dance, the Fly creek Grange has donated the sum of ten dollars to the fund. The Pierstown Grange has also offered the use of its hall for a dance for the fund.

March 30, 1938