Sample Letter for Individuals
Sample Letter for Legislators Regarding 6 percent DD Medicaid Cut
Use Separate letters for Senate and Assembly members; note the difference in zip codes for each house. Below is the format to use
[DATE]
Senator [name]
New York State Senate
[Room Number] Legislative Office Building
Albany, NY 12247
Honorable [name]
Member of New York State Assembly
[Room Number] Legislative Office Building
Albany, NY 12248
Dear Member of Assembly / Senator [add last name],
I have just learned that Governor Cuomo has amended the 2013-14 Executive Budget to include a highly significant cut to Medicaid support for people with developmental disabilities receiving services in New York State.
I am writing to inform you that these cuts will without question have a dramatic effect the quality and availability of the services that I receive.
The amendments propose a reduction of 6% from the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Medicaid funding. This amounts to $120 million in state dollars, but leads to a cut of $240 million when factoring in the lost federal matching dollars. Moreover, the entire reduction will be taken from Aid to Localities, which means the cut will affect all not-for-profit providers providing services to people with developmental disabilities.
As our elected representative, I am asking that you do all you can to see that this cut does not occur. While we understand the state has recently negotiated an agreement with federal Medicaid officials over funding in our sector, the fact is a cut of this magnitude will have serious impacts on me.
This cut, if not avoided, will affect my quality of life and that of other people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, individuals who are most in need of important supports.
I urge you to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by working as hard as possible to see this cut eliminated and money restored at sufficient levels to meet the needs of people with developmental disabilities.
Very truly yours,
[Insert name]
[Note whether you are a parent, direct support professional and/or self advocate]