As the stepfather of a daughter who lives at an ARC of Onondaga group home, I understand firsthand the unique challenges that people with disabilities face in their everyday lives that many of us take for granted. Especially in the wake of the unprecedented challenges and immeasurable losses we’ve faced over the past year, it’s absolutely critical that we ensure New York’s most vulnerable residents can access the resources and support they need to live life to the fullest. I’m working to create more opportunities and make our state a safer, more inclusive place. This is an issue I’m dedicated to year-round, but it recently took center stage as we celebrated Disabilities Awareness Day in the Assembly on May 24.

My experience serving on the Board of Directors for Familycapped, now known as Advocates Inc., gave me insight into the challenges other families like mine faced. This nonprofit organization, comprised of loving parents of children with disabilities, was formed to expand programs for them in our region. My wife, Chele, and I were part of the effort to raise more than $1 million to build Casey’s Place, a respite home for families caring for children with disabilities. Championing much-needed legislation and care for the needs of the disability community will always guide my actions in Albany.

In honor of this year’s Legislative Disabilities Awareness Day, I helped pass a package of bills that will help more individuals with disabilities live independently, access vital resources and become more active members of their community. Central New Yorkers with disabilities contribute to the success of our region and state every day, with many serving essential roles in our workforce. One of the measures I helped pass would help promote workplace inclusivity by establishing a refundable small-business tax credit for the employment of people with disabilities (A.3960). Having the opportunity to engage in our communities is crucial, which is why I supported a bill requiring interpreters and assistive listening devices for deaf or hard of hearing individuals be made available at public meetings (A.3924).

We all know the importance of having a safe place to call home, but people with disabilities can face many hurdles to find a suitable living space. To encourage more accessible housing options, I helped pass a bill that creates a tax credit for new or retrofitted residences designed to be universally accessible and adaptable (A.3409). Universally accessible and adaptable standards also makes that housing stock available to seniors who need these features. The package also includes a measure that would create a new program to help address the complex and diverse needs of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (A.1153-A).

Making sure the state budget invests in our disability community and empowers them for success has been a constant goal. Last month, I helped pass a state budget that includes an increase of $72.4 million for the state Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) – an increase of 1.5% over the governor’s budget proposal. Supporting this vital agency, especially during these trying times, is essential to meet the growing needs of individuals across the state. Another change to the governor’s budget was providing our dedicated human services workers with a 1% cost-of-living adjustment. We must take care of these hardworking service providers to ensure their needs are met too.

I’ll continue pushing for programs and policies that create new opportunities for success and help all Central New Yorkers thrive. As always, please contact my office at StirpeA@nyassembly.gov or 315-452-1115 if you have any concerns or questions. I hope you and your family are well and staying safe.