New York State Sen. Joseph Griffo, along with members of the Senate Republican Conference, recently penned a letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul urging her to restore critical funding for New York’s Rape Crisis, Domestic Violence and Child Advocacy centers. 

 

Additionally, the Senators requested the governor take steps to ensure a stable and consistent funding mechanism is in place permanently, as these centers provide crucial services to vulnerable populations.

 

The letter reads, in part, “These cuts are devastating to some of the most vulnerable New Yorkers.  We find it deeply troubling that this year’s record setting State Budget of $277 billion, $23 billion more than last year’s budget, did not include sufficient funding for critical centers that help survivors, including children, of sexual assault and domestic violence.”

 

“Many vulnerable New Yorkers rely on these centers and the critical services and programs that they offer,” Sen. Griffo said. “Unfortunately, these cuts will limit access to these important resources and will have a detrimental effect on those who may need to utilize them. New York's budget this year totaled $277 billion - the largest in state history. There needs to be a reprioritization of state spending and a stable and consistent funding mechanism to ensure that the state's Rape Crisis, Domestic Violence and Child Advocacy centers get what that they need to best help victims.”

 

A full copy of the letter is attached.