New York Governor Kathy Hochul has brought back funding to the state’s Office of the Advocate for People with Disabilities.
Gov. Hochul signed a bill on Friday, February 4 that revives the office, which is now called the Office for the Chief Disabilities Officer, according to Ithaca Journal.
“This is a welcome recognition that something has been lacking, clearly, and yet another indication that this is a brand new day,” said Michael Seereiter, CEO and president of the New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation.
Seereiter says although the office will be small, it is significant since it will be housed at the governor’s office.
The news comes as nonprofits and the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities face staff shortages, due in large part to wages not being able to keep up fast food restaurants and other establishments.
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