Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C-Black River) today renewed his call for urgent reforms to the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP), following continued complaints from families, caregivers and constituents across the North Country.

Earlier this month, Blankenbush attended a press conference alongside impacted families and advocates, demanding immediate action from the Department of Health and legislative leaders. Despite public outcry, the problems persist.

“The CDPAP was designed to empower seniors and individuals with disabilities to live independently and with dignity,” said Blankenbush. “Instead, under Albany’s mismanagement, it has become bogged down with bureaucratic red tape, underfunding and confusing regulations that are hurting the very people it was meant to help.”

Blankenbush emphasized that these are not abstract administrative problems — they are personal crises for real families.

“Since our press conference, my office has been flooded with even more calls from desperate constituents,” Blankenbush said. “Some individuals are facing being forced into institutional settings because the system failed them at home. This is unacceptable.”

Blankenbush has criticized the state’s handling of fiscal intermediaries — third-party agencies that help manage CDPAP services — citing a confusing and burdensome contracting process that has worsened service delays and reduced program accessibility.

Blankenbush is calling on the Legislature and the Department of Health to immediately:

• Streamline fiscal intermediary certification and contracting;
• Establish clear, consistent regulations to avoid confusion;
• Guarantee timely payment to caregivers;
• Provide additional funding to expand and strengthen care in rural and underserved areas.

“The state cannot continue to delay while people suffer,” Blankenbush concluded. “The message from families is clear: Fix CDPAP now. I will keep fighting until Albany delivers the care and accountability New Yorkers deserve.”