On Thursday, February 16, CP State CEO and NYDA President Mike Alvaro testified at the New York State Legislature 2023 Joint Budget Hearing on Mental Hygiene.

Alvaro  pointed out the pay disparity between state-operated and non-profit provider employees:

” New York State recognizes the role that these dedicated workers play in the lives of people with I/DD and has already made the decision to invest in DSP salaries, but only DSPs employed by the State, with a 13% wage increase in FY 2023 and an additional $50 million increase announced for FY 2024, which will increase wages by $4,000 upstate and $6,000 downstate. This latest increase for state workers mirrors the DSWE that NYDA proposed but leaves out 85% of the workforce.”

Watch the testimony here and read CP State’s written testimony here.