For Immediate Release
Contact: Leanne Ricchiuti, Overit for Association for Community Living, 518.222.8073
April 11, 2022
STATEMENT
Association For Community Living Executive Director’s Statement on Enacted Budget
(Albany, N.Y.) – The Association for Community Living (ACL) Executive Director, Sebrina Barrett, has the following statement following the passage of the 2022-23 FY State Budget over the weekend:
“The wait is finally over. For a while now, we have been explaining the need for more funding for mental health services in response to decades of underfunding. This year we see the first budget to make a significant investment in funding for mental health housing providers since the implementation of these housing funding models more than 40 years ago.
ACL and its members are especially pleased about the inclusion of $65 million to increase reimbursement rates—the most funding these programs have received in a single budget year in decades—and a 5.4% cost of living (COLA) adjustment. This funding demonstrates to our staff that they matter and their work is valued. It will help our direct care workers continue to do the work that they love, and balance their own household budgets. Our direct care employees are the heart and soul of our members’ housing facilities. The people we serve look forward to seeing a familiar smiling face each day as they continue their road to recovery; and in fact having that familiarity helps with their journey.
We applaud the Governor and the Legislature for their hard work in putting this year’s budget together, and for recognizing the importance of mental health services. Mental health is a priority, and we’re thankful that the State not only agrees, but is acting on this priority.”
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