ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders say they have agreed on a sweeping reform of the state's system of caring for the disabled that has been marked for years by abuse and death.
For Cuomo, the deal announced Sunday fulfills a major legislative goal.
Recent governors have been dogged for years by outcry from whistle blowers and a chilling New York Times series was published this year about abuse within the massive bureaucracy caring for 1 million people.
The bill will include a hotline for workers and others to report abuse, a special prosecutor and an inspector general for the protection of people with special needs.
In response to a push by the Assembly's Democratic majority for an independent watchdog, an advisory board will be established.
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