We applaud Governor Hochul for using her State of the State address to stand up for New Yorkers at a moment when threats to health care access, permanent housing supports, and immigrant communities continue to create fear and instability.
We are encouraged by several proposals that will benefit low-income New Yorkers, including expanding rent freeze programs for seniors and people with disabilities, strengthening food assistance, and expediting arduous review processes to build affordable housing.
We also appreciate the Governor’s attention on improving nonprofit reimbursement timelines and strengthening of supportive housing rates, enabling providers to responsibly operate programs essential programs.
At the same time, more is needed to support New Yorkers most at risk. While accelerating affordable housing development is critical, people experiencing homelessness must be able to access and maintain this housing, requiring deeper investments in the Housing Access Voucher Program. Building homes alone is not enough without the supportive infrastructure that help people move off the streets and out of shelters with dignity.
We also urge stronger commitments to domestic violence survivors by addressing payment gaps that disadvantage single adult survivors in accessing safe shelter. We also seek clarity that shelters will be explicitly designated as sensitive locations protected from unlawful entry by federal officials, so people can seek safety and services without fear.
Finally, we must further invest in the human services workforce. Workforce investments must go beyond tuition reimbursement to include higher wages that retain experienced, skilled staff who support New Yorkers through crisis every day.
VOA-GNY looks forward to working with the Governor and Legislature to ensure this year’s agenda delivers meaningful support for the most vulnerable New Yorkers and the workforce that serves them.