NYS Budget Summary
Thanks to the federal American Rescue Plan, the New York State enacted budget is largely the opposite of the austerity plan presented back in January. Thanks to the advocacy of NYSARH members and our many partners, key elements of our priorities are included in the new budget.
- Restoration of funding for Rural Health Networks and Rural Health Care Access Hospitals to the SFY21 level of $9,410,000 plus $1,100,000 appropriation;
- Restoration of funding for the Area Health Education Centers to SFY20 level of $2,200,000 after being cut out of the SFY21 budget;
- Funding and regulatory reforms to increase access to Telehealth and Broadband; new $15/month internet plan for low-income families;
- Changes to the 340B Medicaid pharmacy benefit program are delayed to 2023;
- Most public health programs are restored to SFY21 levels; some additional funding for COVID response.
Additional Budget items of interest to NYSARH members
The All-Funds spending totals $212 billion and includes $5.5 billion of federal aid.
We are pleased to report that the SFY22 enacted budget includes $46.2 million to provide a 1% Cost of Living Increase for OPWDD, OMH and OASAS plus $5.6 million for SOFA, OTDA and OCFS community-based Human Services workers at not-for-profit agencies that contract with New York. Very important, long delayed and not enough.
Healthcare
- Comprehensive nursing home reforms
- New Public Health Corps
- Expands coverage and reduces premiums for the Essential Plan
Economic Development
- $311 billion Infrastructure Plan
- Green Economy investments
- Pathways Pledge to create a more inclusive workforce
- Investments in affordable housing
- Investments in Arts, Culture and Tourism
Education
- $29.5 billion state aid and $13 billion federal aid for public schools
- $7.7 billion for higher education, financial aid and expansion of HEOP
Family Supports
- Childcare stabilization grants and tax credits
- Rental assistance and tax credits
Revenue
- Tax ‘surcharge’ on the ultrawealthy and corporations
- Mobile sports betting
- Legalization of recreational cannabis
The Reimagine New York Commission Action Plan is available here: https://forward.ny.gov/about-reimagine-ny-commission#action-plan
