Buffalo Ledger

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C, Elma) and members of the Senate Minority Conference are urging Governor Hochul to reverse planned cuts to the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) and reinstate Comptroller oversight. The Governor recently indicated she might consider delaying and modifying the CDPAP cuts.

The approved 2024-2025 budget includes a shift of the CDPAP program to a single statewide fiscal intermediary (FI). Members of the Senate Minority Conference have warned that this change could lead to reduced quality of care for vulnerable New Yorkers who are chronically ill and physically disabled. Additionally, between 600-700 FIs employing over 10,000 New Yorkers would be shut down, potentially increasing job loss in New York State.

"Planned cuts to the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program will jeopardize the care and support provided to thousands of elderly and disabled New Yorkers,” said Senator Gallivan, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health. “Efforts to reform and improve this program must be transparent and enhance, not diminish, the quality of services provided. These planned cuts must be reversed.”

In a letter to the governor, lawmakers cited instances of mismanagement by the Department of Health (DOH), arguing that it should be held responsible rather than the CDPAP program itself:

“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,” reads 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 letter.