In Opposition to the Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) Bill
by Jennifer Watson
STIC strongly opposes the legislation A.136/S.138, which would legalize physician-assisted suicide in New York State, and we are deeply chagrined that the Assembly and Senate have both passed the bill by narrow margins. While intended to offer compassionate options to individuals facing terminal illness, this legislation presents substantial and well-documented risks for people with disabilities and other vulnerable populations and lacks sufficient safeguards to prevent misuse and harm.
CONTINUE READING
STIC’s Stance on Mental Health
Southern Tier Independence Center (STIC) strongly opposes the expansion of involuntary mental health treatment in New York State. Instead, we advocate for a mental health system that prioritizes voluntary, peer-led, community-based support over coercive interventions.
CONTINUE READING
A Tone-Deaf Spending Cut
As we are all aware, the second Trump Administration and a pliant Congress has targeted domestic health programs for draconian spending cuts as window dressing to counterbalance the budget-busting extension of the tax cuts enacted in the first Trump Administration. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has proposed especially jaw-dropping cuts.
CONTINUE READINGSummer 2024
Heartening Progress, Great Challenges
By Jennifer Watson
The outcome of the SFY 2024-25 NYS budget presented a mixed bag for New Yorkers with disabilities. In many ways it demonstrated NY’s commitment to ensuring that people with disabilities are valued and have access to supports and services, and with equal and opposite force it revealed quite the contrary. Some positive highlights include heightened attention towards mental health initiatives, increased funding for postsecondary special education, and enhanced resources allocated for Disabled individuals within the justice system.
CONTINUE READING WEB VERSION
Fall 2024
Leadership in Health Care, Past & Present
By Jennifer Watson
The world lost a true champion of health care and social justice when Jim Tallon passed away on July 9, 2024. He was one of the most influential figures in shaping health care policy in New York State. Tallon served in the NYS Assembly from 1975 to 1994, representing the Binghamton area. His tenure was marked by a deep commitment to public service and a particular focus on health care reform and accessibility. He was a strong ally of STIC and independent living, especially in the early days of our organization during his time in the Assembly.
Winter 2024-25
Sounding the Alarm
By Jennifer Watson
As we come to the end of 2024 with no concrete plan, I must continue to voice my profound concerns about New York State’s planned transition to a statewide Fiscal Intermediary (FI) for Consumer Directed Personal Assistance (CDPA) Services. Slated for April 1, 2025, this transition threatens to upend the lives of hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers and the stability of a system that empowers people with disabilities to lead independent lives.
CONTINUE READING WEB VERSION
Spring 2025
New York State’s Reckless CDPA Transition Endangers Lives
By Jennifer Watson and John McNulty
New York State continues to play politics with the lives of people with disabilities, this time through an abrupt and arbitrary transition to a single fiscal intermediary (FI) for the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance (CDPA) program. This reckless move threatens to disrupt care for hundreds of thousands of individuals who rely on it.
CONTINUE READING WEB VERSION
