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: