So here we are, the last day of March and the last official day of budget season. We’ve been pounding the pavement and haunting the halls of the Capital, and will have the results of our budget advocacy out for you in the coming weeks. Fingers and toes crossed, we will have more good news to brighten your day, in addition to
the good news about foreclosure prevention funding in the consumer section below.
Until then, here are the happenings from March. As you’ll see, it’s been a little busy…
Public Benefits
Home Stability Support continues to march on in its progress towards inclusion in the state budget. HSS has gotten several key endorsements and mentions:
- New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio endorsed the proposal.
- The New York City Comptroller did an analysis that found HSS will reduce the NYC shelter population by 80% for families with children and 40% for single adults over 10 years.
- The New York Times editorial board talked about HSS, calling it “promising.”
- The Rent Stabilization Association, a group representing a large number of NYC landlords, endorsed HSS.
- The Bronx Free Press published an op-ed from Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi, who has been tireless on the front lines, pushing for HSS.
- Assemblymember Hevesi appeared on Capital Tonight to talk about HSS.
- The Legal Aid Society in NYC won a critical case for some New York City residents, but we still need HSS for the rest of the state and families without minor children in NYC.
- Four of NYC’s five Borough Presidents endorsed HSS.
- The Economist mentioned HSS while talking about homelessness in NYC.
- In a letter to Governor Cuomo, 95 faith leaders from around the state endorsed HSS.
- The Public News Service published a story about the endorsement from faith leaders.
- Syracuse.com published an op-ed by Rev. Peter Cook, ED of the NYS Council of Churches, one of the groups that signed on to a letter of support for HSS.
- City Lab mentioned HSS while talking about other issues related to homelessness in NYC.
- The United Federation of Teachers announced their endorsement of HSS.
- The New York City Bar threw their support behind HSS in a letter to Governor Cuomo and legislative leaders.
- And, finally, the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus endorsed HSS in a letter to Governor Cuomo.
And that’s just for March.
Health
It was a crazy month in the health world. We joined with our national and state partners on the
#BecauseOfMedicaid and
#ProtectOurCare campaigns, aimed at stopping the AHCA. In the end, as we all know, the bill fell apart, perhaps under its own weight. Now we’re ready to fight the next battle.
Our Health Law Attorney, Liz Siegel, was at a rally for funding for direct care workers.
Funding for Community Health Advocates is not yet settled in the budget, and advocacy will likely go on until the last minute.
Remember, you are not alone. We are with you, fighting right by your side.
The Policy Team at Empire Justice Center