Nassau Standard

Senator Steve Rhoads and members of the Senate Republican Conference have urged Governor Kathy Hochul to reverse planned cuts to the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) and restore Comptroller oversight. Recently, Governor Hochul indicated she might consider delaying and modifying these cuts.

“While Democrats' Sanctuary State policies will force taxpayers to pay over $4 billion for food, shelter, and medical care for illegal immigrants, Governor Hochul and Albany Democrats passed a budget that stripped away $500 million from the most vulnerable of our fellow New Yorkers and threw the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) for home care for loved ones with severe developmental disabilities into turmoil. Forcing these families to face the prospect of institutional care was both heartless from a personal standpoint and foolish from an economic standpoint. That's why I was proud to join my Republican colleagues in voting against this ill-advised measure and why as a member of the Senate Health Committee, I continue to be a dedicated advocate for people with disabilities, resolute in our mission to reverse these harmful changes to CDPAP and restore proper oversight, transparency, and accountability. Thanks to our collective efforts with patients, families, and advocates, I am pleased that the Governor is now rethinking her reckless and rapid overhaul of the State's fiscal intermediary system, but if the Governor is serious about helping those with disabilities, she must stop pursuing misguided political agendas and start prioritizing the needs of our most vulnerable citizens,” stated Senator Steven Rhoads.

“The latest reversal by the Governor is another election gimmick. These cuts should never have been proposed and passed by the Governor and Democratic majorities. Our conference objected loudly during this vote making it known this will not only hurt those that this program serves but reduce jobs throughout the state. The CDPAP program is a lifeline for families and vulnerable New Yorkers that has proven to save lives. We should never be playing politics at the expense of our most vulnerable communities to save a buck,” stated Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt.

The approved 2024-2025 late budget passed by Democratic majorities included shifting CDPAP administration to a single statewide fiscal intermediary (FI). Republicans warned this would diminish care quality for chronically ill or physically disabled New Yorkers while eliminating between 600-700 FIs employing more than 10,000 people.

The letter highlighted instances of mismanagement by the Department of Health: “Unfortunately, the Department of Health’s (DOH) mismanagement of the program... coupled with misplaced priorities... has contributed to current challenges... Withholding key public information raises serious concerns about [DOH's] ability.”

"Planned cuts... will jeopardize care... provided to thousands... Efforts... must be transparent," stated Senator Patrick Gallivan.

"Long-term care facilities are facing budget shortfalls,... staffing shortages,... insufficient reimbursement rates,... Aging New Yorkers... rely on CDPAP," stated Senator Jake Ashby.

"When committing resources..., we must meet them locally.... This is another example of Democrats getting it wrong," stated Senator Jack Martins.

"The CDPAP program is essential.... The governor’s planned cuts would have a devastating effect," stated Senator Daniel Stec.

“This is not a partisan issue.... It is imperative that [the change] is reversed immediately,” stated Senator Bill Weber.

The letter concluded urging prompt action: “We urge you to reverse disastrous cuts...”

A full copy of the letter was attached.

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