We must ensure state resources are in place now and in the future to support our most vulnerable: domestic violence victims and children
From the Office of NYS Senator Tom O’Mara,
State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C-Big Flats) today joined Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt,along with members of the Senate Republican Conference, on a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul urging her to restore critical funding for New York’s Rape Crisis Centers, Domestic Violence Centers 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.
At news conferences earlier this week in Canandaigua and Corning, O’Mara joined legislative colleagues Senator Pam Helming and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano to specifically sound the alarm on pending cuts to Child Advocacy Centers. They were joined at these events by Child Advocacy Center representatives and law enforcement leaders from around the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions.
Today’s Senate GOP letter (see attached copy) 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.”
O’Mara, Ranking Member on the Senate Finance Committee, said, ““It’s unthinkable that Governor Hochul has failed to provide the funding needed to ensure that Child Advocacy Centers across the Finger Lakes and Southern Tier regions, and throughout New York State, can continue providing their essential services. These Centers are absolute lifelines for child crime victims and families they serve and provide critical support to deal with the trauma and assist in criminal prosecutions of the offenders. Under Governor Hochul’s watch, the New York State budget has skyrocketed. State spending increased by more than $23 billion in this year’s state budget alone. In addition, the state’s tax revenue is exceeding anticipated receipts by more than $3 billion in the current year. We can’t prioritize funding for child victims of sex crimes? We put them at risk and further traumatize them? Risk that will assuredly lead to many of these crimes being dismissed. It makes no sense, it’s inexcusable, and Governor Hochul should immediately restore whatever funding is necessary. It’s not a matter of a lack of money. It’s a matter of lack of priorities.”
Helming said, “When I first learned that the Child Advocacy Center of the Finger Lakes and five other centers would receive no funding, I thought there had to be a mistake. These centers bring law enforcement, prosecutors, child protective services, medical professionals and victim advocates together to support abused children, help families and hold offenders accountable. At a time when New York is spending more than ever, protecting abused children should not be where the state comes up short. Governor Hochul and the Office of Victim Services must restore this funding and make sure these critical services are there whenever a child needs help.”
“The New York State budget climbed to $277 Billion during the recent legislative session. I find it hard to believe that in a budget of that size, we must cut millions of dollars to services aimed at helping women and children through one of the most difficult times of their lives. These organizations do essential, incredible work in our communities and Governor Hochul must reverse these cuts and restore full funding to every one of these vital centers across New York State,” stated Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt.
“Rape crisis centers, domestic violence centers and child advocacy centers are lifelines for the women and children in our state who have survived unimaginable trauma. It’s unacceptable that in a record $277 billion budget, the state couldn’t find enough funding to keep these centers fully staffed and operating, while somehow finding hundreds of millions of dollars for far less urgent priorities. Survivors shouldn’t have to wonder whether help will be there when they need it. Governor Hochul needs to work with us to fix this broken funding process and make sure these centers have the stable, sustainable support they deserve,” added Senator George Borrello (R,C-Jamestown), who represents part of Allegany County.
Read the full letter:
