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Advocates: Group Homes Could Face More State Cuts

Peter Fertig
/
Pixabay
New York State budget officials say larger cuts to group home services may come without additional federal aid.

Advocates for New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities say they worry that state budget cuts will create drastic changes for residents in group homes.

Assemblyman Michael LiPetri of Massapequa says families are concerned group home services and staff will be laid off. LiPetri says a 50 percent reduction in reimbursements for empty beds on days when residents visit family or the hospital have already taken effect.

“This is unconscionable. The state is punishing families for staying connected,” Long Island Assemblyman Michael LiPetri said. “It’s threatening to erode the fiscal stability of our residential support system and we will not tolerate this.”

Cuomo’s budget team says these spending cuts haven’t changed services in group homes, but larger cuts will come without additional assistance from the federal government.

A native Long Islander, J.D. is WSHU's managing editor. He also hosts the climate podcast Higher Ground. J.D. reports for public radio stations across the Northeast, is a journalism educator and proud SPJ member.