The third annual “Rally in the Valley” was held Friday at Rockland Community College’s Fieldhouse to call for increased funding and a stronger workforce for people with disabilities.

The event brought together people with disabilities, their families, advocates and the organizations that serve them. Supporters filled the gymnasium, cheering and holding signs while urging state and federal leaders to invest more. Organizers say more than 3,000 people from across New York state registered.

“We say invest in people. We say invest in our workforce. And we say protect services for people with disabilities,” said Randi Rios-Castro, CEO of Jawonio.

Rios-Castro said that while there have been improvements in recent years, more is needed to address rising living costs and workforce shortages for organizations that support people with disabilities.

“Governor Hochul, are you listening to us? We matter! We matter! We matter!” said self‑advocate Katy Sanchez with ARC Rockland, as the crowd cheered.

Several politicians from the local, state and federal levels were there to listen and speak. Among them was Rep. Mike Lawler, a Republican representing New York’s 17th District.

“You need to be paid more,” Lawler said. “And that is a responsibility of all of us at the federal and state level to make sure that you have the funding you deserve to provide the services that you do and to support every single family and individual in this room.”

This year, the congressman’s speech was received with cheers and applause. Last year, he was booed by the crowd because of concerns over Medicaid funding. At this year’s event, he said he worked to protect the program and that the changes are intended to strengthen it and ensure its longevity.

Lawler also said he is advocating to maintain Temporary Protected Status for Haitian immigrants because many play a vital role in the workforce that supports people with disabilities.

“They are an essential part of our community, our workforce, and they should not be forced to go back to Haiti,” he said.

At the state level, lawmakers are proposing a 4% cost‑of‑living adjustment in the upcoming state budget. A spokesperson for Gov. Kathy Hochul said the governor has proposed another targeted inflationary boost for providers in her 2027 budget and looks forward to negotiating with lawmakers to reach a budget agreement that makes New York safer and more affordable.

New York’s state budget deadline is April 1.