2023 End of Session Update New York State
Speech-Language-Hearing Association
The New York State Legislature adjourned the 2023 legislative session on June 10, 2023. The Senate completed its work around 3am that morning with Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins ending the session saying, "see you in 2024!" The Assembly adjournment ended later that day with the caveat that they would be returning before the end of June to complete some unfinished business. Media reports indicate that the Assembly will return on June 20-21 for a two-day special session. While an agenda has not yet been formally announced by Assembly leadership, we do not anticipate any action to be taken by the Assembly that will impact NYSSLHA.
An Emergency Rule was issued on October 13 by NYSDOH related to telehealth services that are reimbursable under Medicaid and have been in place since early in the pandemic. The extension allowed the continuation of Medicaid coverage for telehealth, including telephone and audio-only technologies. The Emergency Rule expires December 21, 2021 and may be adopted, extended or discontinued by such date.
NYSSLHA Lobby Day and State Budget Update
As this issue of the Communicator goes to print, Governor Kathy Hochul and State legislators are negotiating to reach a Final Budget agreement, having missed the April 1, 2023 deadline.
On Friday, February 10, NYSSLHA held a virtual Lobby Day organized by Reid, McNally & Savage on State Budget issues and a key legislative priority. Those in attendance included NYSSLHA President Tina Caswell, Past President and GA Chair, Amy Bergen, and members of the GA Committee: Sal Gruttadauria, and Laurie Hanin. Meetings were held with top finance and program staff for the Senate Majority Leader and Assembly Speaker, and the offices of the Senate and Assembly Chairs of Education, Higher Education, and Health Committees.
These meetings were timed in early February in order to influence the development of the Senate and Assembly’s One House Budget proposals, which represent each legislative body’s response to the Governor’s proposed Executive Budget. The One House Budgets were issued on March 14, 2023.
Another Voice: Early Intervention must be better funded in New York State
EI provides assessment and therapy services along with family supports that positively impact many areas of a child’s development. Areas include health, language, speech, cognitive and social/emotio...