Niagara Leader

Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and members of the Senate Republican Conference have written to Governor Hochul, urging her to reverse planned cuts to the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) and restore Comptroller oversight. This appeal follows recent comments by the Governor indicating she might consider delaying or altering the proposed CDPAP cuts.

“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 2024-2025 budget, approved by Democratic majorities and endorsed by the Governor, includes shifting the CDPAP program to a single statewide fiscal intermediary (FI). Senate Republicans have warned that this change could diminish care quality for chronically ill and physically disabled New Yorkers. Additionally, between 600-700 FIs employing over 10,000 New Yorkers would be shut down, exacerbating job losses in the state.

The letter highlights mismanagement issues within the Department of Health (DOH), suggesting these problems should be addressed rather than cutting CDPAP: “Unfortunately, the Department of Health’s (DOH) mismanagement of the program, not the program itself, coupled with the misplaced priorities of the Democratic-led Legislature, has contributed to the current challenges. Recent reports indicate DOH will not provide basic programmatic information such as the exact number of FIs operating in the State or the exact number of residents enrolled in the program. Withholding key public information raises serious concerns about the Department’s ability to effectively oversee such a substantial change to the program,” states part of their letter.

“It is for these reasons we urge you to reverse the disastrous cuts to the CDPAP program and restore Comptroller oversight. We look forward to your prompt action on this critical issue,” concluded their correspondence.

A full copy of their letter is attached.