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LEADS END OF SESSION PUSH LETTER
Please help us one last time to advocated for the CUNY LEADS Program during this last week of session.
| Sample Letter for Campaign |
Subject: PLEASE SAVE CUNY LEADS AND FIND FUNDING TO FINANCE THE PROGRAM
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
I am writing in support of the CUNY LEADS Project.
CUNY LEADS is an existing partnership between CUNY and the State Education Department's Office of the Vocational & Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID). The Senate Budget Resolution includes $1.5 million in funding to continue this unique employment initiative for students with disabilities. The current Assembly Resolution does not yet include funding for this program.
Participants have an 86 percent college retention rate. Most importantly, CUNY LEADS students who are job-ready have a 72 percent employment rate, compared to the 50 percent national employment rate for people with disabilities. Moreover, starting wages are 35 percent higher than for non-LEADS VESID clients.
At a time when the State is searching for innovative ways to grow its economy, CUNY LEADS has proven to be a significant stimulus. Indeed, a modest investment of roughly $10,000 to develop and place a CUNY LEADS student in competitive employment saves New York State $14,312 per year in disability benefits alone. Over the course of a 30 year work history, this representas a total savings of $418,222 in NYS disability benefits for each LEADS job placement.
CUNY LEADS funding is scheduled to run out in July 2010. All CUNY LEADS staff, fellow New Yorkers who work so hard to create opportunities for students with disabilities, would lose their jobs. This crucial bridge to opportunity for New Yorkers with disabilities would be lost.
On behalf of all City University students with disabilities, I am writing to request that both the Assembly and Senate continue to support CUNY LEADS as the Legislature moves toward a final budget.
As always, thank you for your support of CUNY.
Respectfully,
Sincerely,
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