THE NYS DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ANNOUNCED THAT AS OF APRIL 1 2011 IT WILL ENACT CHANGES WHICH WE BELIEVE WILL EFFECTIVELY END EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES FOR INFANTS AND TODDLERS WITH DISABILITIES. THEY SAY NO PUBLIC HEARINGS ARE NEEDED. WE THE UNDERSIGNED DISAGREE. WE SIGN THIS PETITION BECAUSE WE BELIEVE THAT HELPING BABIES WITH DISABILITIES CAN NOT BE SACRIFICED ON THE ALTER OF ALBANY'S POLITIC AS USUAL. EVEN THOUGH BABIES DON'T VOTE THEY HAVE FAMILIES AND FRIENDS WHO DO.

 In Addition, although 40% of children in Early Intervention have private health insurance only 2% of claims are paid. This costs taxpayers millions of dollars, yet the New York State Government has never forced them to pay these valid claims despite reporting record profits in excess of 1.5 billion dollars. Why should we be asked to pay their share? Why should our babies suffer?

 The Governor has promised to bring transparency to Government. First make Insurance Companies pay their fair then see if you need any cuts at all. The Journal of American Medical Association has stated that every $1.00 spent on early intervention therapy saves taxpayers $7.10 in increased costs. Research shows us that therapy early can change brain functioning.

 EI Works. EI saves money. Babies can't wait.

 By Signing Below we ask you to tell our elected officials that EI services save taxpayers millions of dollars and if any changes are proposed we demand that public hearings be held across the state! Let us tell you our successes.