NY S09615

Establishes an annual cost of living adjustment (COLA) effective April 1, 2023, indexed to the Consumer Price Index for Urban consumers (CPI-U) from the previous July, published by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Applies COLA to programs and services funded by the Office of Mental Health, Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, Office of Addiction Services and Supports, Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, Office of Children and Family Services, and State Office for the Aging.

Requires recipients of COLA funding to submit written certifications attesting that funds are used first to promote recruitment and retention of non-executive direct care staff, support professionals, and clinical staff before supporting executive salary increases.

Authorizes agency commissioners to recoup COLA funding from local government units or direct contract providers that use funds inconsistently with the appropriation, including offsetting other funds owed to those entities.

Takes effect immediately and is deemed in effect on and after April 1, 2023.