NY A08584

Establishes an annual cost of living adjustment (COLA) for human services programs effective April 1, 2025, indexed to the Consumer Price Index - Urban (CPI-U) from the previous July

Applies to programs funded by six state agencies: 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

Covers a comprehensive list of eligible services including mental health clinics, residential treatment, crisis services, substance abuse programs, foster care, adoption subsidies, and elderly nutrition assistance

Requires funding recipients to certify that COLA funds will first be used to recruit and retain non-executive direct care staff and address critical non-personal service costs before supporting executive compensation

Authorizes agency commissioners to recoup funds from providers who use COLA funding inconsistently with appropriation requirements