Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R,C,Ref-Meco) joined fellow legislators and advocates to protect the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP), which is a Medicaid program that provides cost-efficient alternative at-home services to New Yorkers with disabilities and seniors. This program allows patients to choose their healthcare provider for services offered at home and saves administrative expenses.  In Gov. Cuomo’s proposed budget, CDPAP is set to lose $75 million which would devastate New Yorkers who deserve and depend on proper treatment.

“It’s absurd to see our governor go out in public and claim he’s fighting for the vulnerable and defenseless, yet here he is doing the exact opposite,” said Smullen. “Taking away vital funding for a program which thousands of New Yorkers rely on is sad. We can do better than this for our seniors and those with disabilities. It’s my hope the governor and legislative leaders are listening to us today, come to their senses, and do the right thing by restoring these devastating cuts in the final budget.”