Bill > S00377

This bill establishes an annual cost of living adjustment (COLA) for various human services programs across multiple New York state agencies, beginning April 1, 2025. The COLA will be calculated using the Consumer Price Index - Urban (CPI-U) from the previous July, published by the U.S. Department of Labor, and will apply to programs in six state offices: Mental Health (OMH), People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), Children and Family Services (OCFS), and the State Office for the Aging (SOFA). The bill requires that local government units and direct contract providers receiving this funding must first use it to recruit and retain non-executive direct care staff, direct support professionals, and clinical staff, or address critical non-personal service costs, before considering any executive-level salary increases. The COLA is subject to budget approval and available appropriations, and is designed to be the only cost of living increase applied to these programs, replacing any other inflation or trend factors. The bill also gives agency commissioners the authority to recoup funds if they are not used as intended, ensuring accountability and proper use of the allocated resources.

Budget and Finance

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S377