On March 7, 2025, Venture Together joined thousands of advocates, individuals with disabilities, and service providers at Clover Stadium for Rally in the Valley, a demonstration urging New York State lawmakers to protect and strengthen funding for disability services. The energy was electric as nearly 3,000 voices came together to demand a state budget that meets the needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
At the heart of the rally was a critical message: the proposed 2025-2026 NYS Executive Budget includes only a 2.1% Targeted Inflationary Increase (TII), which fails to address rising operational costs, workforce shortages, and inflationary pressures. Venture Together, alongside our fellow I/DD service providers, is calling for:
- A 7.8% Targeted Inflationary Increase in the NYS 2026 Budget to stabilize provider funding.
- The establishment of a Human Services Wage Commission to address workforce challenges.
- A Return the Rate Setting function to the NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).
These investments are vital to sustaining high-quality care and services for people with I/DD.
Among the powerful voices at the rally, several key speakers from Venture Together shared personal stories and urgent calls to action. Dr. Dana Stilley, a Venture Together Board Member, emphasized the importance of advocacy and accountability:
"Being a board member of a disability services organization in today’s environment is quite challenging. Nonprofits are facing unprecedented pressures, and the landscape is very volatile. Today, we must send a loud, clear message: We cannot afford to cut Medicaid. Cuts would have a devastating impact on the lives of people with disabilities, limiting access to essential services and undermining their independence." -Dr. Dana Stilley
She called on all attendees to engage with true advocacy:
“True advocacy means seeing the person first and recognizing the unique strengths and needs of each individual,” she shared. “As a board member, my role is to be a steadfast advocate for the individuals we serve. I need to be a voice for the voiceless and ensure that needs are prioritized, especially when resources are scarce.” -Dr. Dana Stilley
Norma, a Venture Together program participant, spoke powerfully about the direct impact Medicaid has on people with disabilities:
"Medicaid is more than just a government program. For people with disabilities, it is a lifeline—a safety net that ensures access to essential healthcare services, support, and independence. It provides the critical funding that allows individuals with disabilities to live in their homes and communities rather than institutions." - Norma
She also warned of the consequences of potential Medicaid cuts:
"If the government cuts Medicaid, it would represent a step backward—a failure to recognize the dignity and rights of people with disabilities, and a failure to honor the hard work of those who support them…People with disabilities, who already face significant barriers to care, would lose access to vital treatments and therapies that keep them healthy and functioning" - Norma
Lola, our Music Specialist at the Creative Arts Department, echoed these concerns, speaking about the importance of funding for the staff who dedicate their lives to supporting individuals with disabilities. The reality is stark—without sufficient funding, agencies will struggle to recruit and retain skilled professionals, threatening the quality of care that is proudly provided.
The success at the rally was incredible, but the fight is far from over. While Rally in the Valley was focused on state-level advocacy, the fight for Medicaid goes beyond New York. A federal budget proposal in Congress could bring $880 billion in cuts to Medicaid, jeopardizing services for millions across the country. Medicaid represents nearly 90% of Venture Together’s funding, making these proposed cuts devastating to the individuals we serve and the dedicated professionals who support them.
That’s why we need your help. Contact your Congressional representatives today and urge them to protect Medicaid. We’ve made it easy—use our online advocacy tool to send a letter in just one minute:
Take action now: Protect Medicaid
Thank you to everyone who joined us at Rally in the Valley. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that individuals with I/DD continue to receive the support they need to live independent, fulfilling lives.
