United Ways Reject "Across the Board" Cuts - Urge Budget Restorations

ALBANY, NY (01/15/2009)(readMedia)-- In testimony before the Legislature's Joint Fiscal Committees, United Ways have asked the Legislature to reject "across the board" budget cuts. "Cutting programs across the board is neither rational nor fair as has been suggested by some", stated Susan Hager, in her testimony. "While sharing the pain may appeal to a sense of fair play, the fact is not all New Yorkers begin at the same starting gate. This approach ignores the extent of unmet need, the impact and track record of programs, as well as the funding they attract from other sources."

Instead, United Ways urged the use of alternative criteria:

1. Review the history of cuts this year to date when considering new ones.

2. Limit cuts to prevention programs that save more costly future investments.

3. Protect programs that demonstrate their effectiveness.

4. Consider the cost of cuts that jeopardize matching investments from local governments, United Ways and foundations.

5. Apply the same scrutiny and budget knife to tax incentive programs that have been applied to human services.

6. Stop treating programs put in the budget by the Executive, differently than programs that are Legislative additions. Mrs. Hager said, "The people served by these programs don't care whose idea they were. This practice is cynical at best and lacking in the thoughtful and analytical approach we urge you to utilize at this crucial juncture in the state's history."

United Ways also pushed for restoration of funds which were either reduced or totally eliminated in the proposed budget, including:

• 2-1-1 - $3.3 million for 2-1-1 information and referral, now serving 75% of the state's residents. 2-1-1 information and referral specialists handled 1.88 million calls in New York State in 2008. Proposed for total elimination.
• Pre-K- providing in budget language the flexibility school districts need to meet the needs of their students and families for full day services, transportation and capital improvement.
• Child Care- restoration of $30 million in reduced child care subsidy money. 46,000 subsidy slots have been lost since 2003-04.
• Healthy Families New York and the Nurse Family Partnership - highly effective home visiting programs - restoration of the proposed 25 % cut.
• Hoyt Trust Fund - restoration of proposed 25% cut.
• Community Optional Preventive Services (COPS) - home visiting and other prevention programs in partnership with local governments and schools, often funded with a local United Way match - proposed for total elimination.
• Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention - Creation of a low or no interest revolving loan fund in the capital budget to pay for lead hazard remediation.
• Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program -support for the proposed increase to this program which funds the state's network of food banks, to meet the growing need of New York's families.