Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio (R,C-Riverhead) was joined by representatives from developmental disability groups and advocates across Long Island for a rally in Brentwood today calling for increased funding to support individuals with disabilities and the people who care for them in New York state.

As the ranking member of the Assembly Committee on People with Disabilities, Giglio has made advocacy for the developmentally disabled community a top priority. She is pushing for increased funding in the upcoming state budget to ensure individuals with disabilities in Suffolk County receive their fair share of resources from New York state.

“Protecting our friends and neighbors who are among the most vulnerable is something all lawmakers in Albany should strongly rally around,” Giglio said. “A final state budget should prioritize funding and policies that recognize the unique challenges our communities face.”

Giglio also emphasized the importance of strengthening community-based services that allow individuals with disabilities to live independent lives.

“Nearly 70% of people with developmental disabilities in New York live in the community, in our neighborhoods, schools and workplaces,” Giglio said. “That means our policies must focus on strong community support, housing opportunities and care coordination so individuals can live full, independent lives.”

Giglio also pointed to recent progress made through advocacy from families and service providers.

“Because of the advocacy of families and organizations across the state, the Assembly and Senate budget proposals have increased the targeted inflationary adjustment for providers to 4%,” Giglio said. “That is an important step forward, but our work is not finished. We must continue strengthening the workforce and ensuring families can access the services they need without unnecessary barriers.”

Giglio has also co-sponsored a proposal aimed at protecting disabled New Yorkers in the workforce (A.4494) while also sponsoring legislation to increase awareness, education and screening for vascular and genetic conditions (A.5977).

“As the ranking member of the Committee on People with Disabilities, I will continue working to ensure individuals with disabilities are supported, included and empowered to live the lives they choose,” Giglio concluded.