New Yorkers with intellectual and developmental disabilities need a champion.
Read my piece in
@syracusedotcom
about the work of the new Senate Committee I’m chairing:
The ability of the Governor and his aides to lead New York is compromised beyond repair. It’s time for them to do the right thing and step aside for the sake of all New Yorkers.
My full statement:
New charter schools will drain resources from districts that serve communities with the highest needs, sending funds to corporate charter networks with different rules that lack transparency and accountability.
Expanding charters schools is a policy that I cannot support.
Taking the Oath of Office with my family by my side on the floor of the New York State Senate
I take this oath and the responsibilities of this office very seriously
I'm looking forward to continuing to work on behalf of my constituents and the region
There’s no way this former teacher isn’t going to speak on the Senate floor tonight/tomorrow morning about the historic education funding we are delivering for our kids, teachers, and schools.
And yes, I’m working on my office decor.
I'm going to keep rallying.
I'm going to keep cajoling.
I'm going to keep negotiating.
I'm not stopping until New Yorkers with disabilities get the services they need, and the Direct Care Workforce gets the pay they deserve.
It's crystal clear from today's testimony that the proposed 2.5% COLA isn't nearly enough to address the systemic workforce shortage
I'll be fighting to make that 8.5% - these workers deserve a decent wage for providing services that allow so many to live with respect & dignity
Syracuse University dancing into the Sweet 16 is cause for statewide pride and celebration, but if bars and restaurants are forced to close early we’re missing a golden opportunity to support struggling businesses
My request to the governor to waive closure times in CNY:
Parents and educators know that more needs to be done to protect kids online
NY passed a first in the nation law that limits the harms from algorithmic content aimed at children
Sen. Schumer wants to expand similar protections nationwide and I'm proud to support his efforts
$40M grant for the Upstate tech corridor!
Thanks to the leadership of Sen. Schumer, this will create jobs & advance our goal of becoming a leader in semiconductor manufacturing.
Proud to lead w/ NY's Green Chips bill that helped secure Micron and make this milestone possible!
After burning the midnight oil we are back at it in Albany. I’m feeling more optimistic about my budget priorities and the good projects, people, and services that will get funding in CNY
Take it from someone who spent 28 years in the classroom: Every student needs proper nutrition to learn and succeed at school!
The free school meals program is in serious jeopardy - but I'll be fighting to keep it operational and fully funded in the state budget
Proud to stand with my colleagues, wearing orange, in support of an 8.5% COLA. As Chair of the Senate Disabilities Committee we must provide significant financial support to rebuild the workforce in OPWDD, as well as, OMH, OASAS, SOFA, OCFS and OTDA. And yes, that says 8.5!
I am so thankful to the people who had faith in me. My wife, Jennifer
@bradymannion1
and our amazing children, Hon. Christie DeJoseph, Kaitlyn Barry, John Baycura, Sheila Taugher. Finally, to my team and volunteers, it is your collective dedication that drives me each day.
Micron will be coming in just 8 miles from the Treadwell Industrial Park in Schroeppel. This location includes a wastewater facility, beyond the many businesses it serves.
@SenSchumer
was in town to discuss his advocacy for EDA funds to expand & develop the site.
.
@GovKathyHochul
selected a very talented and dedicated individual to lead
@NYSOPWDD
Please join me in wishing Commissioner Keri Neifeld best of luck as she officially begins!
I'm looking forward to working together to tackle the workforce crisis and other longstanding issues
Grateful to Leader
@AndreaSCousins
for reappointing me Chairman of the Disabilities Committee - we have so much important work to do!
Excited to also expand my portfolio into new areas that reflect the needs of the 50th Senate District and align with my expertise -
A budget is a statement of priorities, and my priority is to secure the overdue and desperately needed 8.5 percent salary increase for the voluntary and self-direction workforce while expanding state operated facilities and also improving those salaries -
My full statement:
As Chair of the Senate Disabilities committee, I am proud to be the prime sponsor on 4 of the 9 bills of the Employment for People with Disabilities package we promoted today helping people with disabilities to enter the workforce, increasing inclusivity and benefiting NYS.
Terrific news from
@NYSOPWDD
this evening -- the devastating 20% funding withhold is over, effective immediately
This is the outcome I have been working towards every day since taking office
My full statement:
Securing a COLA for OPWDD, OMH, OASAS, and Office for the Aging providers was one of my top budget priorities.
Thrilled we got this in the budget! Sending my thanks and appreciation to all who advocated for it.
Last night, it was an honor to emcee, along w Jennifer
@bradymannion1
the opening ceremonies of the
@SpecOlympicsNY
Winter Games!
Get out today and view some inspiring competition, taking place all around Central New York.
LET THE GAMES BEGIN!
As Chair of the Disabilities Committee, I advocated for several top priorities at the Mental Hygiene Budget Conference Committee meeting:
-8.5% cost of living adjustment for DSPs and others
-Address Wage Disparity
-More Housing
-Education
-Dual Diagnosis Barriers & Treatment
Standing in solidarity with Ukraine 🇺🇦
Tipperary Hill is where I grew up - It's also home to vibrant Ukrainian and Russian communities.
That's St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church - I attended Kindergarten next door where I made friendships that continue to this day.
Congratulations to
@kirst_liam
, our Legislative Aide, on being named to the CNY Business Journal’s 2021 40 Under 40 list! When I brought Liam onto our team, I knew his reputation of being a passionate member of his community. It is great to see his hard work recognized.
Today is the day! I need to come up with a new word that elevates proud by 1000 times.
@JackMannion6
Jennifer
@bradymannion1
& I are beaming with pride. We love you and love the man you have become.
Goodness Meets Greatness!
@LeMoyne
Class of 2021!
@LeMuraLinda
Individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities face disproportional challenges related to COVID-19 and are at increased risk. Today, I urged the governor to make these New Yorkers a vaccination priority.
@SpecOlympicsNY
@AccessCNY
@cfdsny
@HillsideAgency
We stood up a new Disabilities Cmte during the height of the pandemic and over the past 2 years worked tirelessly to be a powerful voice and driver of positive change for vulnerable NYers and their families - I'm thrilled to continue this vital work
I'm honored to be back in Albany as an advocate for the people of Oswego & Onondaga Counties
I'll serve you with integrity & honesty & work to deliver results for the families, schools, farms and businesses in the 50th SD
I'll continue to be a champion for Central New York!
Dr. Stephen Thomas of
@UpstateNews
is a renowned virologist, vaccinologist, and a recipient of the Liberty Award - the highest honor the
@NYSenate
can bestow.
Proud to speak about his work saving untold millions of lives around the world through safe and effective vaccinations.
This is why I've been fighting for an 8.5% cost of living adjustment and wage enhancement for DSPs
Individuals with disabilities deserve to live dignified and enriched lives - and it's DSPs that make it happen
We have to support our DSPs!
Had the honor of celebrating
@ESMSchoolDist
Superintendent Dr. Donna DeSiato today in Albany
Please join me in congratulating her on receiving the prestigious
@NYSchoolSupts
Superintendent of the Year Award!
Today is World Autism Awareness Day and April is Autism Awareness Month.
As a parent and now as Chair of the Senate Committee on Disabilities, treating this community with respect and dignity – and urging others to do the same – is one of my guiding principles.
Last night, on The Heights, I proudly presented a Senate proclamation to the
@LeMoyneDolphins
Men’s Lacrosse Team, 2021 Division II National Champions.
@LeMoyne
College is an institution of excellence, be it in academics or athletics.
@LeMuraLinda
Phins Up!
@LeMoyneMLax
From drab to fab!
In keeping with today's theme of beautifying my office - I present to you amazing art by the talented students from the
@WestGeneseeCSD
!
What a transformation! My goal going forward will be to occasionally rotate the pieces to highlight all our schools!
I'm asking the governor to allow in-person fine arts programs and phys ed in schools. We know much more about COVID-19 and how to stay safe than we did when these activities were suspended. My full letter:
Today is International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Throughout my work as a Senator, I have met so many incredible people who are fighting for access to quality care & resources. I am honored to be the head of the Disabilities Committee & to continue this fight.
I get the honor to vote here, where my children went to school. My ancestors came to this country seeking a better way that ensures life, liberty and a pursuit of happiness. It is our duty to preserve & improve what has been built by voting today. We owe it to our children.
It was great to be back in the classroom and
@WestGeneseeCSD
, no less. I got to see so many of my former colleagues and students, as I spoke to Participation in Governent classes. There were lots of great questions from these engaged, future leaders.
@MrMurphyWGHS
🚨Breaking News: High School Sports Can Resume!
Districts will need to work with county health officials. Let's do this SAFELY! Thank you
@NYGovCuomo
and congrats to students, families, and all who fought for this.
Guidelines here:
Privileged to join
@SecretaryPete
,
@SenSchumer
and
@SenGillibrand
to discuss the future of I-81. As plans go forward, I aim to work with our partners to ensure that as many jobs as possible are directed toward local labor.
My colleague
@SenGianaris
said it best; "This bill does a simple thing, it says we need more sites for early voting to make it easier for people to go out, cast their votes and not spend half the day doing it."
Hochul petitioned to boost pay for workers who help people with developmental disabilities
Advocates ask Gov. Hochul to include $500 million to boost pay of direct support professionals who help developmentally challenged residents.
This is the first bill I introduced - very pleased that it passed unanimously!
It requires legislative approval and mandatory one-year notification before the closure of any state-run mental health, developmental disability, or group home facility.
#NYSenate
Bill S1765, sponsored by
@senjohnmannion
, passed (62-0, unofficial). Requires legislative approval for the closure of certain OMH, OPWDD or OCFS facilities and institutions:
DSP’s need support - they are the backbone of the entire system & key to helping our family & friends, w/ disabilities live happy, dignified, & fulfilling lives.
I’m committed to addressing the workforce crisis and pls’d to see this $10M NYS investment
I'm proud to support the Equal Rights Amendment
The legislation adds gender/sex and disabilities to the list of classes protected by law from discrimination. This includes codifying a woman’s right to control her own body & health care decisions
It was a busy week, but my most favorite part was meeting these amazing Pre-K students! I found out later in the day that they had a new nickname for me, “money man!”
@ESMSchoolDist
@nysut
@DonnaDeSiato
High school sports are important to the health and well-being of students. I'm grateful
@NYGovCuomo
listened to our concerns. Safety is the top priority.
My full statement on the resumption of high school sports:
I am devastated by the loss of the brave Syracuse City Police Officer and Onondaga County Sheriff’s Deputy killed in the line of duty last night.
My heart aches for their families and the entire law enforcement community at this extremely difficult time for Central New York.
I've introduced legislation to provide up to $5K in refundable tax credits for Direct Care Workers
A refundable tax credit would provide a significant pay boost to almost all individuals working in the field
@NYSPEF
@NYC_FAIR
@NYDisabilityAdv
@MJSeereiter
@thearcny
I am pleased to announce that
@AndreaSCousins
has appointed me chair of a new Standing Senate Committee on Disabilities that will oversee laws related to people with developmental or physical disabilities including oversight of the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities
Today we celebrated the 32nd anniversary of the landmark
#ADA
and took action to make NY more inclusive
Proud to have 2 bills signed by
@GovKathyHochul
that will combat stigma and stereotypes and ensure those who need services have a voice in their care and life decisions
Micron could have gone anywhere in the world to invest $100B and create 9,000 jobs - but it chose CNY and the 50th Senate District for a reason. We have the history and the determination that’s needed to transform our economy into a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing.
It got a little dusty in here today as we surprised Kayla McKeon of North Syracuse with the news that she earned a spot on the
@SpecOlympicsNY
team that's competing at the 2022 USA Games at Disney World!
Congratulations Kayla!!
@shengsterman
Great start to the morning, welcoming students back to school at Cherry Rd Elementary. Congratulations to my former colleague Superintendent Dunham on his new leadership role.
Wishing everyone a safe & happy 1st day of school!
(1/2) I was a HS educator for almost 30 years and a Teacher’s Union president for nearly a decade.
I am the parent of three kids who attended public schools in CNY.
And today, I am a NYS Senator who is proud to say I have delivered on my promise to help fix how we fund schools.
We can safely resume fine arts programs and phys ed in our schools. The kids need it and we have a roadmap with the resumption of HS sports.
Watch my interview with
@JeffNC9
tonight on
@NewsChannel9
to learn more.
@OfficialNYSSMA
I had the honor of notifying
@kaylaMckeon2
of North Syracuse that she’s earned a spot on Team NY competing in bocce @ the
@SpecOlympicsNY
Olympics USA Games 2022 at Disney World in Orlando, FL. Kayla is also the first-ever registered lobbyist with Down Syndrome.
@Kaylasproudmom
Prayers today @ St John Baptist my kindergarten parish. Tipp Hill has been home to many Ukrainians since the 1800s. Glory to Ukraine. Today there were words both strong and soft, tears, song & prayers.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.”
Today, I call on Governor Cuomo to sign S6516A into law. This bill provides fair equitable funding to chronically underfunded programs serving preschool & school age children w disabilities. S6516A would keep programming from closing, & provide opportunities to reinstate programs
I am thrilled that the
@SpecOlympicsNY
Winter Games will be back in Syracuse February 24th and 25th. We are a community that believes in excellence and inclusion, and I urge all CNYers to join me in supporting these games and these incredible athletes
Dedicated staff and local partnerships have made
@DrWeeksSCSD
a model community school
We need to invest in more community schools so students have the services they need for learning and success
@SyracuseSchools
@nysut
They don’t want the accolades, but they deserve them. They represent me so well & make sure I have everything I need to be successful. Many of you have said to me what an amazing staff I have, responsive, compassionate & willing to go above & beyond.
And I couldn’t agree more!
Great to be back in Albany for
@GovKathyHochul
SOS
Very optimistic about everything we can accomplish in 2022 including:
➡️$$ for high tech jobs in CNY
➡️$500M for disabilities services & workforce
➡️ Fair funding for schools
➡️ Infrastructure
➡️ Clean H2O
When you employ disabled NYers you provide more than a job. You are also providing dignity, value, and the satisfaction of an honest day's work.
My remarks recognizing the contributions of disabled New Yorkers to our statewide workforce.
What a turnout and what a privilege to host
@NYDisabilityAdv
in Albany today!
It's my honor to stand with all of you I am committed to delivering resources and policies that bring dignity, respect, and the quality of life every person with an I/DD deserves and requires.
CNY is a community that values those who dedicate their time to teaching and preparing young minds, a value personified by Rick Duggan who is in his 50th year of teaching! He is a tremendous colleague, role model and friend. The students and staff
@WestGeneseeCSD
love you!
📢📢I’m excited to rally next week in support of our incredible
#HomeCare
workforce!
Mandatory overtime is not a long-term strategy to fix the workforce crisis.
Better wages is the solution this problem demands and it’s what these workers deserve.
The ability to live in your own home is about dignity and independence
We have to strengthen CDPAP and that requires better pay for those doing these caring jobs
It also means expanding the Medicaid buy-in for working adults and preventing eligibility cuts
Thanks to
@NYAIL
I didn’t serve in the classroom and as a teacher representative to come to Albany as a Senator and see school aid in peril.
My full statement on school aid in the budget:
We're going to Fix Tier Six!
It's hurting recruitment and retention, and the next generation of teachers and public workers deserve the same dignified retirement as their predecessors.
Proud to rally with my colleagues & friends in labor to get this done in the budget.
@nysut
Please join me in celebrating the achievements of The Reading League president and CEO Dr. Maria Murray!
She is a pioneer in the science of reading and her work has helped train a new generation of educators while improving children's literacy and learning.
Proud to be from the city hosting the
@SpecOlympicsNY
. Happy to see our snow being put to good use! Special Olympics needs your help, sign up to volunteer!