The idea that lawmakers are proposing legislation that would restore a $90 million budget cut to nonprofit organizations that serve the developmentally disabled is encouraging ("Quest to restore lost aid," June 4).
Since the federal government matches state Medicaid expenditures, a $90 million budget cut equates to $180 million of funding lost in one fiscal year for New York's nonprofit service providers. This is unconscionable and puts efficient nonprofit organizations at risk of insolvency.
Our son, who is significantly impaired by autism, receives services from Wildwood Programs. Wildwood provides a full spectrum of services to individuals with developmental disabilities and autism, many of whom are significantly affected by their disabilities and require a high level of support. Wildwood Programs is an efficient agency with low administrative overhead and a true focus on individualized, person-centered development.
If New York is truly committed to providing safe and effective services that further a disabled individual's potential for independence and community integration, then funding should be restored (regardless of federal Medicaid adjustments) to help these agencies prepare for the impending loss of federal dollars.
I applaud our legislators for their efforts to bring this bill for full restoration to the floor for a vote, and Gov. Andrew Cuomo for supporting it.
Karen Nagy
Rexford