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:
“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.
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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