FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 28, 2013

SFY 2013-14 Budget Makes Critical Investments in
Services for Children and Families


Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Social Services Committee Chair Michele R. Titus, and Children and Families Committee Chair Donna Lupardo today announced more than $21 million for safety net programs and $10 million for services that support children and families in the 2013-14 state Budget agreement.

"The state's fiscal plan reflects the Assembly Majority's long-standing commitment to working families and children," said Silver. "Included are wise investments in programs that secure a brighter future for our children, including troubled and at-risk youth. This plan also helps New Yorkers achieve financial security by restoring funding for child care subsidies and career training services."

"In order to keep our state moving forward, we must invest in those working families that are struggling to make ends meet," said Titus. "This budget agreement takes appropriate steps to maintain critical supportive services that help elevate the quality of life for all New Yorkers."

"It is essential that existing safety net programs remain available to the most vulnerable New Yorkers," said Lupardo. "As our economy continues to recover, preserving these vital services aids the working families across the state that are struggling to maintain self-sufficiency."

Investing in New York's Children

The spending plan restores $1.3 million for the Youth Development Program and $254,456 for the Runaway and Homeless Youth Program. The agreement adds nearly $10 million to the Office of Children and Family Services for supportive programs for children. Significant restorations include:

Maintaining Family and Disability Services and Programs

The fiscal plan makes critical investments to preserve Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs that assist families in achieving self-sufficiency. The agreement restores more than $21 million for TANF initiatives. Major restorations include: