Senator Gallivan Calls on Governor to Reverse Planned Cuts to Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C, Elma) and members of the Senate Minority Conference are calling on Governor Hochul to reverse planned cuts to the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) and restore Comptroller oversight. Recently, the Governor indicated she would not rule out delaying and changing CDPAP cuts. 

The approved 2024-2025 budget included shifting the CDPAP program to a single statewide fiscal intermediary (FI). Members of the Senate Minority Conference warned that this would have a rippling effect and result in a lesser quality of care for vulnerable New Yorkers who are chronically ill and physically disabled. At the same time, between 600-700 FIs, that employ more than 10,000 New Yorkers, will be shut down, adding to more job loss here 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 pointed to instances of mismanagement by the Department of Health who should be held responsible not the CDPAP program: 

“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,” the letter reads. 

“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,” the letter concluded.

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