Assemblyman Joseph M. Giglio (R,I,C-Gowanda) today urged Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders to fully restore the disability programs that are on the chopping block in this year’s state budget negotiations. In his proposed budget, the governor has proposed a six percent cut to private, non-profit providers of support to people with developmental disabilities. Giglio is encouraging parents, family members, community members and any residents who believe in supporting the most vulnerable members of society who are faced with developmental disabilities to call the governor’s office and urge him to fully restore the funding.

“Non-profit organizations and health care professionals provide vital services for the most vulnerable in our communities. They are sons, daughters, parents and grandchildren – family members – none of whom have the ability to speak up and fight this battle themselves. They need our help,” said Giglio. “This six percent cut will be devastating to organizations such as The ReHabilitation Center in Olean and others throughout the State, which currently services over 700 people every day and has been building brighter futures for individuals with disabilities for over 50 years. Cutting this funding could upset and collapse the essential services and care that our loved ones depend on. I urge all of our community health care professionals to do what they can and let the governor know that this cut cannot stand.”

According to Giglio, the six percent cut equates to about $120 million, and when it is matched by the federal government, equates to a total cut of $240 million. These community-based, non-profit organizations deliver services to approximately 120,000 people throughout New York State and directly impact hundreds of thousands more.