10 Things to Like in the Governor's Budget and 4 Quality Improvement Opportunities

UWNYS's 21-day Budget Letter Released

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ALBANY, NY (01/24/2008)(readMedia)-- UWNYS has sent a letter to Governor Eliot Spitzer praising a number of his budget proposals and making recommendations for changes on four issues:

  • Funding for 2-1-1 information and referral services.
  • Earned Income Tax Credit Outreach funding
  • Greater flexibility in spending Universal Pre-K funds
  • Increased funding for the Hunger Prevention Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP)

“We value a number of proposals in the Governor’s budget that have positive impact on health and human services for New Yorkers,” stated Susan K. Hager, President and CEO of United Way of New York State. “This year, when there is a budget deficit and signs that the economy is continuing to decline, these proposals have even greater significance.”

+Budget proposals supported include:

$821 million for the Earned Income Tax Credit to benefit an estimated 1.3 million working New Yorkers. Mrs. Hager noted, “United Ways were proud to take one of the lead roles in the advocacy for this important section of New York’s tax policy. Today United Ways across the state are working with state and community partners, including OTDA, to increase the number of eligible families who receive this credit.

  • Additional funding for children’s health insurance including the federal share of SCHIP
  • An additional $79 million for Universal Pre-K (UPK) to continue program expansion.
  • Significant proposals from OTDA to drive additional income to some New Yorkers on public assistance, for example,
  • Doubling of the child support pass-through from $50 to $100 for 27,000 New Yorkers.
  • Restoring the SSI invisibility in calculating public assistance for 26,000 families.
  • Equalizing the shelter allowance for clients in public housing.
  • Note: These last three represent an investment of $50 million to support some of New York’s most vulnerable people.
  • Continued commitment to the state’s summer Youth Employment Program at $37 million.
  • $400 million for a Housing Opportunities Fund for affordable housing.
  • Continuation of the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for employees in not for profit human service agencies to assist with recruitment and retention.
  • Continued commitment to increasing access to the food stamp program.
  • Requested changes to the budget, or quality improvement opportunities, include:
  • 211 – Provide 3rd year funding for 2-1-1, $9.4 in planning, development and operating support and $1.7 million in capital funds in the OCFS budget. 2-1-1 information services now cover 70% of New York State’s population and 74% of the country including most of the Northeast.(see attached map)

In 2007 alone nearly 240,000 callers relied on 2-1-1 for help from two regional centers in the Finger lakes and Hudson Valley that were “live” all year, and two regions, Western New York and New York City, which did not go live until the last quarter. Given the economic outlook for 2008, these numbers should grow considerably.

State funding for 2-1-1- is supplemented by funding from local governments, United Ways, foundations and numerous in-kind supporters.

Universal Pre-K – Use a portion of the new UPK funds to offer the flexibility that local school districts need in order to provide services to all eligible children.

Earned Income Tax Credit – Provide $250,000 to support expanded outreach efforts to capture the $825 million in unclaimed EITC benefits available to New Yorkers.

Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Program – Add $7 million to the budget proposal address rising food and fuel costs. Mrs. Hager commented, “While the Governor’s economic development plans and proposals will increase the standard of living for many New Yorkers, there are many others for whom the safety net is essential. This program is a vital part of that safety net and cannot continue to meet growing needs with the same amount of funding as last year.”

For more information on each of the requested changes, see the attached 21-day budget letter.

United Way of New York State is a statewide association of 40 local United Ways. We work to strengthen the capacity of United Ways to be leaders in achieving results that improve the lives of all New Yorkers.

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