Senator Mannion's Bills That Create New Ombudsman at the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities, Remove the Words 'Lunatic' and 'Idiocy' From State Law, and Expand Jobs Program for Disabled New Yorkers Pass the NYS Senate

"Establishing a new Senate committee dedicated to protecting and supporting disabled New Yorkers sends a powerful message. It also comes with the moral obligation to deliver real and lasting change for individuals, families, caregivers, and stakeholders,” said Senator Mannion. “Under the leadership of Andrea Stewart Cousins, the State Senate is meeting these obligations. We are improving the lives of disabled New Yorkers in ways large and small, continuing the Senate’s renewed commitment to the I/DD community. I never want to let the disabilities community down. Ensuring we have the policies, funding, and proper supports in place to facilitate happy, meaningful, and productive lives for all I/DD New Yorkers is one of my guideposts."

Senator Mannion is the prime sponsor of the following bills that passed today:

S4777A – Removes the words ‘lunatic,’ ‘idiocy,’ and ‘lunacy’ from state law

S1766A – Establishes an ombudsman program at OPWDD to ensure individuals will receive appropriate coverage; identify, investigate, refer and resolve consumer complaints of coverage and providers access to service and support

S4998 – Expansion of the services provided by I/DD New Yorkers to OPWDD through CSEA’s care demonstration program. Work authorized under this legislation allow individuals with I/DD to learn new skills

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