Senator Nozzolio Fights For Individuals With Special Needs

Michael F. Nozzolio

October 8, 2013

As your State Senator, I have been and will remain a staunch advocate for individuals with special needs and disabilities.  I understand the unique challenges a family faces when striving to ensure that their loved one receives the best quality care possible. 

Despite the challenging financial times, I have been outspoken that the State Budget cannot be balanced through harmful cuts to programs relied upon by those most in need.  That is why I stood with my colleagues in the State Senate to stop $120 million in cuts to programs that serve New York State residents with special needs.  

While our efforts during the 2013-2014 budget negotiations restored some of this funding, programs throughout our State were still in danger due to a $90 million budget shortfall.  This shortfall threatened to diminish access to important services for thousands of developmentally disabled citizens across New York State.  That is why I sponsored legislation to prevent these devastating cuts and fully restore this important funding. 

Our combined efforts have been successful and I am pleased to announce that legislation I sponsored was recently signed into law. This new measure will guarantee that developmentally disabled New Yorkers will continue to receive the quality care and support that they deserve.

Be assured that I will continue my aggressive efforts to support individuals with special needs and their families.  Please do not hesitate to let me know whenever I can be of assistance to you or your family.