Senator Rhoads & Senate Republicans Call on Gov Hochul to Reverse CDPAP Cuts

Senator Steve Rhoads 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. 

“While Democrats' Sanctuary State policies will force taxpayers to pay over $4 billion for food, shelter and medical care for illegal immigrants, Governor Hochul and Albany Democrats passed a budget that stripped away $500 million from the most vulnerable of our fellow New Yorkers and threw the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) for home care for loved ones with severe developmental disabilities into turmoil.  Forcing these families to face the prospect of institutional care was both heartless from a personal standpoint and foolish from an economic standpoint.  That's why I was proud to join my Republican colleagues in voting against this ill-advised measure and why as a member of the Senate Health Committee, I continue to be a dedicated advocate for people with disabilities, resolute in our mission to reverse these harmful changes to CDPAP and restore proper oversight, transparency and accountability.  Thanks to our collective efforts with patients, families and advocates, I am pleased that the Governor is now rethinking her reckless and rapid overhaul of the State's fiscal intermediary system, but if the Governor is serious about helping those with disabilities, she must stop pursuing misguided political agendas and start prioritizing the needs of our most vulnerable citizens,” stated Senator Steven Rhoads, Member of the Senate Committee on Health. 

“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. 

"Planned cuts to the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program will jeopardize the care and support provided to thousands of elderly and disabled New Yorkers.  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,” stated Senator Patrick Gallivan, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health

"While long-term care facilities are facing budget shortfalls, staffing shortages and insufficient reimbursement rates, the governor has placed a trusted program to keep New Yorkers in their homes on the chopping block. She should trust her impulse to change course. Aging New Yorkers and people with developmental and physical disabilities rely on CDPAP to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives surrounded by their family and friends. I'm proud to stand with a conference who's committed to their needs and recognizes their basic dignity,” stated Senator Jake Ashby, Member of the Senate Committee on Health and Senate Committee on Disabilities

“When committing resources to those most vulnerable, we must meet them and their needs locally. The idea of replacing the current regional approach, with a one size fits all statewide approach, is both wrong and dangerous to the wellbeing of the vulnerable disabled and elderly communities we are supposed to be helping.  This is another example of the Democrats in Albany getting it wrong. The program needs to be reformed, not scrapped,” stated Senator Jack Martins, Member of the Senate Committee on Health.

“The CDPAP program is essential for communities across our state. The governor’s planned cuts to this program would have a devastating effect on vulnerable New Yorkers. To ensure the compassionate and quality care they deserve, Governor Hochul should do the right thing and reverse her planned cuts and restore Comptroller oversight to CDPAP,”  stated Senator Daniel Stec, Member of the Senate Committee on Health.

“This is not a partisan issue. The individuals and families in Rockland County who rely daily on the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program should not have their continuity of care jeopardized  because of the failure of the Department of Health to adequately manage this vital program.  It is imperative that the horrible change to a single, statewide fiscal intermediary is reversed immediately to protect our most vulnerable,” stated Senator Bill Weber, Ranking member of Disabilities.

“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.