McKevitt Calls to Restore Funding For Developmentally Disabled

Assemblyman Tom McKevitt (R,C,I-East Meadow) recently took to the assembly floor to call on his colleagues to completely restore $90 million in funding cuts to the developmentally disabled.

He, however, applauded the recent restoration of school aid and high tax aid to the citizens of Long Island.

"We  have failed to provide for the most needy among us," he said. "The cuts to non-profits who serve our developmental disabled will have a damaging effect."

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The school aid package for 2013-2014 provides $20.8 billion in total aid to districts. The year-to-year increase is $936.6 million or 4.5 percent, which is $386.3 million more than the governor proposed in his executive budget. The two-year school aid increase is $1.7 billion and the package includes increases to the gap elimination adjustment and foundation aid, as well as full restoration of high tax aid. Notably, Long Island school districts will receive $121.4 million in funding

In the governor’s executive budget proposal, he proposed $120 million in cuts to the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). During the budget negotiations, $30 million of the proposed $120 million in cuts was restored.

McKevitt and his colleagues called for a complete restoration of funding for the $90 million not included. An amendment to restore the $90 million was voted down on the assembly floor.