Bill > S03669

This bill establishes a 2.7% targeted inflationary increase for designated programs and services, effective April 1, 2026, to help offset the effects of inflation on reimbursement rates and contract amounts. This increase is intended to be the sole inflationary adjustment applied for the period of April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027, and is inclusive of all other potential cost-of-living or trend factor increases, with specific exceptions for federal relief programs related to COVID-19 and certain staff retention factors for child care services. The bill details a comprehensive list of eligible programs and services across various state agencies, including the Office of Mental Health (OMH), Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), State Office for the Aging (SOFA), Department of Health (DOH), and Office of Victim Services. It also includes a provision for other state-funded human services programs that improve health and welfare to be deemed eligible. Local government units and direct contract providers receiving these funds must certify how the money will be used, prioritizing recruitment and retention of non-executive direct support, direct care, clinical, and administrative staff before supporting salary increases for executive-level positions, and agencies are authorized to recoup funds if misused.

Budget and Finance

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3669