United Ways Push for Budget Restorations

ALBANY, NY (12/23/2008)(readMedia)-- Citing the rising unemployment rate and an increasing number of people in need of help, United Way of New York State has asked Governor David Paterson to restore a series of proposed cuts in his 2009-10 budget proposal.

Leading the list of requests is funding for 2-1-1 information and referral services, which is eliminated in the Governor's budget. 2-1-1 serves over 75% of the state's residents and is funded by state, United Way, local government and foundation dollars. With continued state support, 2-1-1 will be serving over 90% of the state's residents by spring.

"2-1-1 has proven its value across the country by assisting people in finding help during hard times and weather related emergencies," stated Susan Hager, UWNYS's President and CEO. "New York's 2-1-1 is part of a well developed national system that is called upon time and again to respond to snow and ice storms, floods, hurricanes, wildfires and other emergencies."

In addition 2-1-1 is "the" number to call to access important benefit programs like home heating assistance or free tax preparation at VITA sites. "2-1-1's partnerships with state, county and voluntary agencies ensure that callers will get the help they need, when they need it, all day, every day, and in the languages that reflect this state's great diversity," Mrs. Hager noted.

United Way's letter points to the proposed consolidations and mergers of state services and programs throughout the budget proposal, noting that this opportunity appears to have been overlooked as one way to fund 2-1-1 For example, by considering the relative cost and value of the state's multiple "800" numbers, only some of which are statutorily required, it is possible that some of these 800 numbers could be consolidated. The letter urges that any savings on the non-personnel costs from such consolidations could be used to help fund 2-1-1, and free up state employees to attend to other important work.

Other requests in the letter include:

Pre - K - Including in the budget language the flexibility school districts need to meet the needs of students in their communities for full day services, transportation and capital improvements.

Child care subsidies - Restore funding to prior years' level. As thousands of children and their parents cannot obtain this benefit, it is important to remember that these subsidies are one significant key to low income families' ability to remain in the workforce and not slide back onto welfare.

Prevention - Restoring the cuts in three key preventive programs: Healthy Families New York, and the William B. Hoyt Trust Fund, both slated for a 25% reduction and the restoration of the Nurse Family Partnership, slated for elimination.

Lead poisoning prevention - creation in the capital budget of a no or low interest revolving loan fund of $3 million to finance the cost of lead hazard remediation. Mrs. Hager noted, "We welcome the significant progress that has been made on this issue by the Governor's staff since his veto of lead poisoning prevention legislation in October. However until there is a stable revenue stream to pay for remediation, we cannot "prevent" childhood lead poisoning.

Hunger Prevention Nutrition Assistance Program - Restoring funding to the 2007-08 level of $33.3 million.

att. 30-day budget letter

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