Assemblymember Phil Steck (D-Colonie) announced that the Governor signed legislation (A.6692-C), which he co-sponsored, to restore funding that was cut in the 2013-14 state budget to the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).

“When financial times get tough we must be mindful not to forget our most vulnerable communities. This critical funding is essential to making sure people with developmental disabilities get the proper care they need,” Assemblymember Steck noted. “I have been and will continue to be a voice in Albany for individuals and their families served by OPWDD.”

The state budget originally was set to cut $120 million but ended up cutting $90 million from OPWDD, only after restoring $30 million. In the final budget, a workgroup was created to find savings in OPWDD. The goal was to determine whether a restoration of less than $90 million would allow nonprofits to continue to provide the services they needed. Although the savings amount has not yet been finalized, this legislation will make sure that the final amount determined by the workgroup is made available and used to fill the gaps left by the cuts.

“The Assembly, the Senate and the Governor have righted a wrong today,” Assemblymember Steck said.