HeartShare assists individuals with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities and provides vital services to children and families.

authentic comodo secure

Recent News Protect Services for People with Developmental Disabilities

Services for people with developmental disabilities are in grave danger. Governor-Elect Cuomo must eliminate New York State’s $9 to $10 BILLION deficit in his 2011-2012 budget proposal which is due to the Legislature by February 1, 2011. In order to do this, his budget will include proposals to consolidate agencies and severely cut budgets. We have even heard rumors of 15% to 18% cuts across the board!

Therefore, the developmental disability associations have agreed to participate in a December Advocacy campaign to educate the Governor-Elect, as well as the entire NYS Legislature, on the effect of further deep cuts and consolidation of the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) into another agency.

It is up to each and every one of us to prevent:

  • consolidation of OPWDD
  • HUGE cuts to our services

We CANNOT afford to be silent! Write Governor-Elect Cuomo and your legislators immediately.

Please write to the Governor-Elect and your New York State Assemblymember and Senator to tell them that large cuts would devastate our services, causing staff layoffs and endangering the health and safety of our vulnerable population. Tell them that the OPWDD must be preserved as a separate agency, not merged with other agencies: Only OPWDD has the expertise to incorporate some cuts while protecting our critical services.

The following letters may be printed and mailed to your elected officials:

To mail your letter to Governor Cuomo, send it to:

    The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo
    Governor of new York State
    NY State Capitol Building
    Albany, NY 12224

To identify your New York State Senator, visit NY State Senate or call (518) 455-2800.

To identify your New York State Assemblymember, visit NY State Assembly or call (518) 455-4100.

Please encourage family, friends and co-workers to send letters to their elected officials as well.