15 Jan State of the State Highlights

As you know the Governor delivered her State of the State address today – of relevance, she highlighted the following proposals. Additionally, we are expecting more details and additional proposals including a Cost of Living Adjustment in the Executive Budget to be released next week:

• Workers with Disabilities Employment Tax Credit: Maximum credit will more than double (to $5,000) and eligibility rules will be simplified.
• Mobility & Wheelchair Access: Increased rates for specialty evaluations, coverage for repairs and preventative maintenance, and expanded support for power chairs to promote independence.
• Regional Disability Clinics: Funding for clinics to deliver specialized, accessible care for people with developmental disabilities.
• Modernizing the Institute for Basic Research (IBR): $75 million investment to upgrade facilities, including a new Genomics Core Facility, and establish a Center for Learning on the former Willowbrook site.
• Interpreter Fellowship Program: Six-month pilot to train and mentor newly graduated ASL interpreters, addressing interpreter shortages statewide.

Improve Diagnoses for Children with Complex Clinical Needs

• Clinical Assessment Hubs: Specially trained clinicians will evaluate children with multifaceted health and behavioral challenges without requiring hospitalization.
• Individualized Care: Ensures that each child’s diagnosis matches their unique needs and facilitates connections to appropriate services.