Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Hudson) announced that the governor recently signed into law legislation she sponsored that will restore $90 million, or the necessary amount of critical funding to the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). This funding will ensure that various programs provided by not-for-profit service providers that assist people and families with disabilities still receive the essential care and services that they need.

“When this year’s final budget cut vital funding for the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, I promised to continue fighting to make sure our friends, neighbors and family members were not left without the programs and support they depend on.” Assemblymember Barrett said. “With the signing of this legislation, people living with disabilities, their families and caregivers can have the piece of mind to know these critical programs will continue to deliver the services in their communities.”

A workgroup would be created that will evaluate the adopted budget and review any funding shortfalls related to the full restoration of the $90 million reduction. The New York State Budget Director will be authorized to deposit sufficient funds to make up for these funds designated for OPWDD programs.