Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt Urges Governor Hochul to Reverse Planned Cuts to CDPAP and restore State Comptroller Oversight

Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and Members of the Senate Republican Conference today penned a letter to Governor Hochul urging her to reverse planned cuts to the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) and restore Comptroller oversight. Just this week, the Governor made comments to the media that she would not rule out delaying and changing CDPAP cuts. 

 

“The latest reversal by the Governor is another election gimmick. These cuts should never have been proposed and passed by the Governor and Democratic majorities. Our conference objected loudly during this vote making it known this will not only hurt those that this program serves but reduce jobs throughout the state. The CDPAP program is a lifeline for families and vulnerable New Yorkers that has proven to save lives. We should never be playing politics at the expense of our most vulnerable communities to save a buck,” stated Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt.

 

The approved 2024-2025 late budget passed by the Democratic majorities and approved by the Governor included shifting the CDPAP program to a single statewide fiscal intermediary (FI). Republicans in the Senate 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.

 

The penned letter 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,” concluded the letter.

 

A full copy of the letter is attached.