Help us ensure our voices are heard. 
Join us in Albany and be part of our advocacy day.

Registration is now open!

Event Details:
Monday, February 12th
Registration Opens: 11:00AM
Program: 1:00PM-5:00PM* Schedule Subject to Change
Light refreshments will be provided throughout the day.

Tuesday, February 13th
Registration & Continental Breakfast: 7:00AM
Program: 8:00AM-11:15AM

Overnight Accommodations

A block of rooms are available at the following hotels for the evening of February 12, 2024. Please note the deadline dates for reservations to ensure you receive the discounted rate.

Hilton Albany
40 Lodge Street, Albany, NY 12207
Click Here to reserve or call 1-800-HILTONS (445-8667) and use the code 1NYA to reserve.
Reservations must be made by January 16, 2024.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Albany
216 Wolf Rd, Albany, NY 12205
Click Here to reserve.
Reservations must be made by January 19, 2024.

Hampton Inn & Suites Albany-Downtown
25 Chapel Street, Albany, NY 12210
Click here to reserve.
Reservations must be made by January 29, 2024.

Schedule

Day One: Monday, February 12, 2024

11:00AM Registration Opens

1:00PM Opening Remarks

1:15 – 2:00PM State of the State of New York State Politics
Dana Carotenuto, Senior Vice President, The MirRam Group

2:00 – 3:00PM Overview of 2024 Legislative & Budget Priorities
Mindy Cervoni, President, DDAWNY Board of Directors
Erik Geizer, CEO, Arc New York
Michael Seereiter, President/CEO, NY Alliance
Evan Sullivan, Senior Vice President, Ostroff Associates

3:00 – 3:15PM Break

3:15 – 4:15PM NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities – Briefing on proposed 2024-25 Executive Budget & Update on Agency Priorities
Kerri Neifeld, Commissioner, NYS OPWDD
Kevin Valenchis, Deputy Commissioner, Division of Fiscal Policy and Management

4:15 – 5:00PM 2024 SANYS Policy & Legislative Priorities Presentations
Marilyn Stata, SANYS Board President
Joshua Santiago, SANYS Board Vice President
BJ Stasio, SANYS Board of Directors
Shameka Andrews, SANYS Community Outreach Coordinator
Chester Finn, SANYS Board Advisor

Day Two: Tuesday, February 13, 2024

7:30AM Continental Breakfast

8:00 – 9:00AM Legislators to be Invited

9:00 – 9:15AM Break

9:15 – 10:15AM Albany Insiders – Expert Budget Panel Discussion 
Facilitator: Patrick Orecki, Director of State Studies, Citizen’s Budget Commission
Panelists:
Laura Darman, Of Counsel, Tress Capitol Advisors
Bill Hammond, Senior Fellow for Health Policy, Empire Center for Public Policy
Maureen O’Brien, President/CEO, NYSID

10:15am - 2:00pm
Individual Meetings with State Legislators at the State Capitol and Legislative Office Buildings

About the Forum

The annual Joint Legislative & Advocacy Forum provides access to information on the 2024-25 Executive Budget proposal, upcoming legislation, advocacy strategies, and opportunities to engage leadership in the Senate and Assembly. 

Parents and family members, self-advocates, direct support professionals, not-for-profit agencies and other stakeholders will hear from presenters across a wide range of timely topics, reflecting the importance for us to be a strong voice in Albany this year and beyond.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Make Appointments Early! If you plan to meet with State Legislators while joining us in Albany, we encourage you to make your appointments as soon as possible. 

Click here to learn more about contacting State Legislators.