Assemblywoman Jenne joined Assemblyman James Skoufis, chair of the state Assembly's Task Force on People with Disabilities; several of her colleagues and representatives from the New York Association on Independent Living this week to call for increased funding in the state budget.
Assemblyman Skoufis noted the Assembly one-house budget calls for a $1 million increase in funding for independent living centers aftera mere $100,000 increase over the past 11 years.
It also adds $3 million to the Access to Home Program, which helps fund ramps and other retrofits necessary to allow people with disabilities to stay in their homes, as well as restores the Office for the Advocate for People with Disabilities.
Assemblywoman Jenne said her office regularly benefits from the work of the Northern Regional Center for Independent Living in Watertown and the Massena Independent Living Center in addressing constituent issues.
"They are indispensable. I get a lot of calls to my office from people trying to navigate any given system that is throwing up roadblocks for families trying to care for loved ones and for adults trying to stay in their homes and be as independent as possible," she said.
The assemblywoman praised Assemblyman Skoufis for his task force's work on behalf of people with disabilities.
"From every part of the state, we are joining with James' voice to get justice for everyone in New York State. He's standing up for all New Yorkers to support organizations that are credible, that involve peer support and that help parents struggling with a new diagnosis figure out how to ensure their child is getting the services they need," Assemblywoman Jenne said.
She reiterated she refers many constituents to the independent living centers operating in the North Country.
"They are one of the best kept secrets in town. I'm hoping with this push for additional funding they will be able to get out there and reach even more people and turn even more peoples' lives from sometimes a life of despair to a situation where everyone in the family can flourish," Assemblywoman Jenne said.