After attending a press conference held in Albany by Assembly Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,C,I,Ref-Canandaigua) and Assemblyman Clifford W. Crouch (R-Bainbridge), Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is calling for a vote on legislation that would increase accessibility to services and offer added protections for those with developmental disabilities.

“Protecting New York’s most vulnerable is one of the preeminent aims of my public service and I was proud to host one of our Conference’s task force forums in my Assembly District,” Hawley said. “Groups such as the Genesee/Orleans ARC right here in Western New York are fighting each day to provide access to education, employment and personal growth for those with disabilities and I applaud their efforts. It is crucial that we protect and provide adequate aid to our direct care workers who are in danger of losing funding due to the minimum wage increase. These are the dedicated men and women on the frontlines of care and it is crucial to empower them as best we can.”

Hawley, a staunch support of those with developmental disabilities and organizations like the Genesee/Orleans ARC, was influential in restoring a $90 million cut to the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) proposed in 2013 by New York City liberals and Gov. Cuomo.

“Now we need to do our part in the Legislature and pass this package of bills that incorporates ideas and concerns we have heard at the grassroots level. I am calling on Assembly leadership and Gov. Cuomo to bring these bills to the floor for a vote immediately.”