MHANYS strongly supports this letter from Vice-Chair and CEO of Northern Rivers, Bill Gettman’s call in the Times Union for an across-the-board investment of 7.8% in next year’s budget. The entire human services community is supporting this investment increase. We will be sharing many advocacy tools and letters over the next few months to help influence the budget for 2025-26. Stay tuned.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
State needs to increase funding for human services sector in coming budget
William Gettman, Albany
In 1938, New York state voters approved an amendment to the state constitution. It reads: “The aid, care and support of the needy are public concerns and shall be provided by the state and by such of its subdivisions, and in such manner and by such means, as the legislature may from time to time determine.”
As the state prepares the budget for the coming year, it is time to focus on the care for the staff who care for the needy across the state. Despite investments by Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Legislature, the human services sector is fragile. We have unmet service needs and growing waiting lists for mental health, housing and other behavioral health services.
Due to decades of lack of investment, the workforce is remarkably unstable while providing lifesaving services across New York. With more than 800,000 human service workers across the state, many of whom are women and people of color, we need an investment that will be particularly impactful and alleviate the financial strain many have faced while working in the sector.
This inequitable system prevents the hiring and retention of staff; 22% of human services workers depended on SNAP benefits to make ends meet and they made 30% less than what government employees earn for the same role.
Recognizing the need and valuable role and expertise, we recommend a 7.8% investment in human services in the upcoming state budget. The investment will help to stabilize a vital sector for all New Yorkers.
The writer is the CEO of Northern Rivers Family of Services.
Published Oct. 14, 2024
