News from Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb
Assembly Office:
933 Legislative Office Building • Albany, NY 12248 • (518) 455-3751
District Offices:
607 West Washington Street • Suite 2 • Geneva, NY 14456 • (315) 781-2030
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For Release: IMMEDIATELY, April 11, 2014
Contact: Emily Palumbos, (315) 781-2030
April Is Autism Awareness Month
Legislative Column from Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,C,I-Canandaigua)

April is National Autism Awareness Month, and each year we all make a special effort to recognize the struggles of those who live with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and those who care for them. By taking time to learn about the different forms of autism, we can help make the lives of those on the spectrum more comfortable. The strength of any community relies on people's willingness to work together to provide the best possible quality of life for their neighbors. It is my profound hope that together we can find ways to support those with autism and improve the lives of all New Yorkers who are faced with an ASD.

FIGHTING TO PROTECT THOSE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Last year's enacted state budget cut the state's commitment for not-for-profit services to the Office of People With Developmental Disabilities by $90 million. Seeing the injustice in this funding cut, the Assembly Minority Conference worked tirelessly to ensure the money restored. Our efforts continued throughout the legislative session until finally, this critical funding was preserved.

However, there is still work to do. Providers have not seen a single payment intended to make up for the cuts. Funding will not be restored until a workgroup determines that providers have achieved a certain amount of savings. While I have always advocated for accountability, these conditions have proved to be damaging. Service providers need funding now. We simply cannot afford to shortchange families affected by autism. The staffing and resources offered by organizations that support families impacted by autism are not luxuries. They are lifelines.

We are once again fighting on behalf of the disabled community. The Assembly Minority Conference proposed an amendment to the 2014-2015 Budget requiring Albany to keep its promise to disabled programs and pay out the $90 million, and eliminate the workgroup determination requirement.

HAPPINESS HOUSE, ONTARIO ARC OFFER WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES

As we continue to advocate in Albany, there are a number of organizations here at home working to help support those dealing with autism. Autism Services of the Finger Lakes, provided through Happiness House, offers an array of programs to help diagnose, evaluate, educate, and support those with autism as well as their caregivers.

For information, call the Geneva office at 315-789-6828 (Administration) and 315-789-6850 (Children's Programs) or the Canandaigua office at 585-394-9510 (Adult Programs), 585-394-1190 (Children's Programs) or toll free at 866-408-2550. The Ontario ARC is another great not-for-profit working to provide comprehensive services to those dealing with developmental disabilities, including autism. The ARC can be reached at (585) 394-7500.

What do you think? I want to hear from you. Send me your feedback, suggestions and ideas regarding this or any other issue facing New York State. You can always contact my district office at (315) 781-2030 or e-mail me at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us.