Assemblyman Andy Goodell (R,C,I-Chautauqua) applauded today’s announcement that a tentative agreement has been reached to restore funding for the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). Under the terms of the deal, cuts enacted in the state budget will be reversed, either through management efficiencies or an influx of cash. The Legislature will act next week on legislation to restore the funding.

“I want to thank Assemblyman Weisenberg and all my colleagues in the Assembly who have worked hard to restore this funding that was cut by the governor from the budget,” said Goodell. “We have a responsibility to speak up for those in our society who aren’t able to do so for themselves. These cuts would have meant parents being forced to quit their jobs to care for their children full time, and elderly parents would have had to bear a tremendous burden caring for grown children unable to support themselves. Thankfully, we will be able to restore these needed funds to those who so deserve them.”

Goodell is a co-sponsor of this bi-partisan legislation put forward by Assemblyman Weisenberg. If the savings from other cuts fall short of $90 million to restore full funding, state funds will be used to make up the difference.

“Providing adequate funding for our most vulnerable citizens and their caregivers isn’t a partisan issue but an issue of humanity and protection. When the budget was passed, my Assembly Minority colleagues and I offered an amendment to restore this funding. While it took longer than it should have to get this money back, I’m glad an agreement was reached,” concluded Goodell.