New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced additional funding for the state's crime victim assistance programs after several lawmakers and advocacy groups expressed growing concerns about an expected statewide funding cut in recent weeks.
A number of the state's rape crisis centers, domestic violence centers and child advocacy centers, which receive most of their funding from grants through the federal Victims of Crime Act Victim Assistance Program, were in danger of needing to slash their services or even closure, those advocating for funding restoration said.
According to Hochul, the state already invested $53.8 million into the programs this year and will now provide $88.8 million — a "record-level state investment." When combined with $73.7 million in federal
funding, Hochul says the centers are receiving "by far the largest single-year investment in victim services in New York's history."
"Supporting crime victims and survivors is personal to me — and I’ve met with them to see firsthand the difference these programs make in our communities," Hochul said in a statement. "My administration will continue working tirelessly to support survivors and the organizations that serve them."
Here's the latest.
How this additional funding helps NY's crime victim assistance programs
The funding cuts were expected to reduce the state's investment in rape crisis program services by $5.2 million, child advocacy center services by more than $6.9 million and domestic violence program services by more than $19 million, advocacy groups recently revealed.
According to Hochul, 284 service providers across the state will now receive funding, including 35 new providers. Here's how the additional funding will help New York's crime victim assistance programs:
- Licensed domestic violence providers will receive an additional $11.7 million in grant funding, certified rape crisis centers will receive $11.7 million more and child advocacy centers will receive an additional $4.8 million.
- More than 50% of current providers will see a "significant" increase from their current tentative award amounts.
- Fifteen programs that were not initially funded will now receive tentative awards.
The funds are allocated by the state's Office of Victim Services and Hochul says the awards still need to be reviewed by the state Comptroller’s Office before they are made official.
"These funding cuts were more than numbers on a spreadsheet," said Alliance Against Sexual Violence Executive Director Emily Miles. "They meant fewer advocates answering calls, fewer survivors receiving support in hospital emergency rooms, and fewer communities with access to life-saving services."
"The additional funds committed by the Governor mean more providers can keep their doors open and their advocates on the line," Miles added.
And New York State Children's Alliance executive director Theresa Roth said she is "incredibly proud" of how the victim assistance community "came together to advocate with one voice on behalf of the victims we serve."
"The Governor’s investment restores a significant portion of the funding that (child advocacy centers) lost, and we are incredibly thankful for that," Roth continued. "At the same time, however, it is important to acknowledge it does not fully restore our network to current funding levels, and several communities continue to face cuts as a result. There is still more work ahead, but there is also reason to be hopeful."
Concerned New York lawmakers applaud the additional funding
On Aug. 21, Senate Republicans sent a letter to Hochul asking for increased funding for the impacted rape crisis centers, domestic violence centers and child advocacy centers, as well as to provide them with a "more stable and predictable funding stream."
And three other New York GOP members — Sen. Tom O'Mara, R-Elmira, Sen. Pam Helming, R-Canandaigua, and Assemblymember Phil Palmesano, R-Corning — made efforts to draw the governor's attention to the issue through events held in Canandaigua and Corning that same week.
O'Mara addressed the additional funding in an Aug. 30 column, calling it the "right decision" by Hochul and said the state's legislators will "keep working to ensure the state's long-term commitment to the future of these centers."
Helming also acknowledged the additional funding in a Facebook post over the weekend, thanking those who fought to restore it. And Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt, one of the Republican lawmakers who signed the letter, said he's glad their voices were heard and that the "critical" funding was restored.
Emily Barnes covers state government for the USA TODAY Network-New York with a focus on how policy and laws impact New Yorkers' taxes, communities and jobs. Follow her on Instagram or X @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Hochul boosts NY state funds for crime victims after outcry over cuts
