In their one house budget proposal, the Senate is advocating for a 15% increase in Upstate Statewide Mass Transportation Operating Assistance (STOA). This critical funding boost will enable transit authorities across the state to maintain existing services and avoid harmful cuts to programs. CDR has strongly advocated for this increase, recognizing that transportation remains a significant barrier for people with disabilities. Without adequate funding, service reductions would disproportionately impact those who rely most on public transit, including potential cuts to paratransit services, threatening the independence and quality of life of millions of New Yorkers with disabilities and limiting access to employment, education, healthcare, childcare, and other essential daily needs. Additionally, without sufficient baseline funding for core transit services, it would be difficult to advance needed improvements to paratransit systems, such as our call for a $25 million pilot program to expand service across five upstate regions.