Aakriti Khanal, Development and Research Manager, Adhikaar for Human Rights and Social Justice said: “Adhikaar commends the NYS Legislature and the entire AAPI Equity Budget Coalition (EBC) on our collective win of securing a combined over $60 million  in the Senate and Assembly One House Budgets. In our second year of advocating together for these deeply critical investments in our communities, we celebrate this news and look forward to continuing to provide life-saving services to Nepali-speaking immigrant workers and members. Community based and grassroots organizations like ours have been at the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic and responding to urgent needs. This funding is critical to ensuring that we have the resources we need to equip our programming. We thank our legislative champions for fighting tooth and nail to ensure that our communities remain safe, healthy and can thrive in the years to come with this historic investment.”

Adam Bello, Monroe County Executive, said: “I applaud state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and Sens. Samra Brouk and Jeremy Cooney for listening to our needs and making the right investments to protect taxpayers. Their proposal would protect the residents of Monroe County by restoring Federal Medical Assistance Percentage reimbursement funds to local social services districts, increasing funding for safety net hospitals, supports a 10% Medicaid reimbursement rate increase, protects the 340B drug discount program and adds more dollars for initiatives that help local governments such as the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement program. The Senate’s proposal safeguards public health and safety, invests in our infrastructure and avoids imposing higher costs on local governments that would result in additional burdens on local taxpayers.”

Alana Sivin, FWD.us New York State Director, said: “We applaud the Senate’s commitment to protecting bail reform and not rolling back this successful policy. We encourage the Senate to hold firm against any attempts to roll back bail reform—a policy proven many times over to protect safety and advance justice—and continue to prioritize data-driven policies that actually make our communities safer.”

Allegra Schorr, President of the Coalition of Medication Assisted Treatment Providers and Advocates (COMPA), said: “We applaud the Senate one-house budget resolution which includes an 8.5% COLA for all employees of providers licensed by OMH, OASAS, OCFS, and OPWDD. Opioid Treatment Programs and Medication-Assisted Treatment providers are unable to treat patients up to their normal capacity due to a staffing crisis. Program staff is underpaid and overworked and burnout is high. Ensuring an 8.5% COLA is a critical step in addressing the workforce shortage. This will help providers increase access to treatment and reduce barriers to delivering care.”

Andy Pallotta, President of NYSUT, said: “We are extremely grateful to our partners in the Senate for their one-house budget proposal that strongly supports our public schools and rejects misguided charter school expansion. The restored funding for Teacher Centers, the support for the successful community schools model and the promise to fund school meals show the Senate shares our commitment to public schools as the centers of our communities. We also thank the Senate for keeping public higher ed accessible by rejecting tuition increases and investing in our world-class SUNY, CUNY and community colleges. Increasing funding for SUNY hospitals also shows the Senate is committed to supporting communities and the long-term economic growth of our state.”

Anita Gundanna and Vanessa Leung, Co-Executive Directors of the Coalition for Asian American Children and Families, said: “We applaud the Senate and Assembly One-Houses for their inclusion of a combined over $60 million for the New York State AAPI Equity Budget Proposal into their One-House Budget. Created in collaboration with the NYS AAPI Equity Budget Coalition (EBC) — a diverse group of over 100 AAPI-led and -serving organizations across New York State — this funding not only comprehensively targets the increased violence experienced by our communities, but also provides resources to guarantee the living conditions and safety nets of those most marginalized through food justice, mental health, case management, immigration, and more. For far too long, AAPI communities have been historically underfunded and excluded from policy-making and funding decisions. Through this full investment into our diverse communities, we are committed to continue fighting for holistic community-based solutions to address the rise in anti-Asian violence. We are excited to continue working together with New York State to continue advocating for the safety and wellness of our diverse AAPI communities together.”

Amy Dorin, President & CEO of The Coalition for Behavioral Health said, “We are so grateful to Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Senators Samra Brouk and Nathalia Fernandez and the entire Senate for their leadership in support of an 8.5% COLA.  Bringing on and retaining a workforce to serve the many New Yorkers in need of mental health and substance use services is the most important investment we can make. We thank the NYS Senate for making it a priority.”

Bea Grause, RN, JD, president, Healthcare Association of New York State said: “The Senate clearly understands the extreme fiscal challenges facing New York’s hospitals and nursing homes and the threat those challenges pose to New Yorkers’ access to care. We greatly appreciate the Senate’s proposed investments, including a 10% Medicaid rate increase for hospitals’ inpatient and outpatient services and our nursing homes, significant distressed hospital funding, restored support for nursing home staffing and the essential repeal of the pharmacy benefit carve-out. We thank the Senate for hearing healthcare providers’ grave concerns and supporting investments to help stabilize and sustain the state’s healthcare system. We look forward to working with the State Senate through the enactment of the final budget.”

Bethany Wallis, Executive Director of Northeast Organic Farming Association, said: "On behalf of the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York (NOFA-NY), I applaud the Senate’s proposed budget investments in supporting farms in building climate resilience and improving soil health through the historic $500 million Environmental Protection Fund. We also appreciate the proposed funding to support NOFA-NY in providing more accessible services to USDA Organic Certified and transitioning farms and businesses to help them meet the rigorous and climate-friendly National Organic Program standards.As caretakers of the land and stewards of our food system, farmers confront the impacts of climate change each day. Investments in community-based climate solutions, including on-farm climate mitigation, are urgently needed and the Senate’s proposals for funding a new Climate and Community Protection Fund is an important first step in making sure that funding is equitably distributed and support is made readily available to communities most impacted by the climate crisis."

Beth Finkel, AARP New York State Director, said: “The State Senate stepped to the plate for New Yorkers who rely on prescription drug medication by proposing to require advance notice of price hikes, expand the State’s authority to investigate price increases, and address secret pay-for-delay deals that keep cheaper generic drugs from getting to the market faster - similar to Governor Hochul’s executive budget proposals. AARP New York applauds Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins for her leadership on prescription drug price transparency, and her and the Senate for proposing a significant and long overdue increase in funding for compassionate and cost-effective in-home services for the elderly. Non-Medicaid services such as home delivered meals and assistance with daily activities support unpaid family caregivers in helping our older loved ones age at home – where the vast majority want – rather than in far costlier and mostly taxpayer-funded nursing homes. The Senate’s proposed $15 million increase for the Community Services for the Elderly Program would help reduce waiting lists, where an estimated 10,000 New Yorkers 60 and older who qualify for these programs are stuck waiting for services.”

Dr. Bernadette Kappen, Co-Chair of 4201 Schools Association, said:  “We are grateful for the Senate’s advocacy of our schools and their proposed increase in funding, which is essential to continue meeting the diverse needs of our blind, deaf, and physically disabled students. Restoration of the Executive’s cut to our funding is also critical as we work to balance operating budgets year over year, and we thank Education Committee Chair Shelley Mayer and Senate leadership for their support in restoring these funds. Additionally, the Senate’s proposals to authorize our schools to maintain a fund balance and invest in our workforce will provide schools the tools needed to continue to plan ahead for fiscal variances, and retain specially qualified teachers and support staff for our students. We hope the Executive agrees with the decision of the Senate to restore funding and invest in the education of our students. Our children are just as deserving of a high-quality education as every other child, and we look forward to working together with elected leaders throughout budget negotiations to ensure our students continue to have access to the resources they need to thrive and succeed.”  

Bill Banfield, Assistant to the Executive Secretary-Treasurer, North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, said: “The Senate’s one-house budget reflects the priorities of blue collar workers. From critical investment in infrastructure to wage protections to workforce development, the Senate is fighting for the hard working men and women of the building trades.”

The Brennan Center for Justice said: “The Brennan Center for Justice applauds the Majority Leader and the Senate for issuing a budget package that stands up for New York’s voters. By committing to fund the state’s groundbreaking small donor public financing program, alongside the Governor and Assembly, the Senate is cementing the program’s status as the nation’s most robust counter to big money in politics. And by increasing resources for voting and advancing legislation to improve voter service, the Senate shows its continued resolve to meet the needs of all voters. As leaders finalize the budget in coming weeks, we look forward to seeing the Senate fulfill its commitment to deliver on its promises to the people of New York.”

Brooklyn Defender Services said: “Brooklyn Defenders thanks the New York State Senate for including fair funding for public defenders in their one-house budget. This funding is essential to meet our discovery obligations, staffing needs, and other operational demands. By including equitable funding for public defenders and prosecutors, the Senate has demonstrated an understanding of the critical role our services play in a balanced and fair legal system. We applaud the Senate for excluding the Governor’s proposed changes to New York’s bail laws and including the Clean Slate Act in its one-house budget. The Senate has remained focused on solutions that keep New Yorkers at home, with their families, and at their jobs. These are the solutions that enhance public safety for New Yorkers. We urge the New York State Assembly to match funding for public defenders, exclude the Governor’s proposed changes to New York’s bail laws, and include the Clean Slate Act in its one-house budget.”

Bobbi Wilding, Executive Director of Clean+Healthy, said: "Clean+Healthy deeply appreciates the Senate's commitment to environmental issues, reflected in their proposed 2023-24 budget. Among the important changes to the Governor's proposed budget, we appreciate inclusion of Packaging Reduction and Recycling language that restricts toxic chemicals and maintains a strong definition of recycling, increased funding for the Environmental Protection Fund to $500 million, incorporating environmental justice provisions and polluter-pay requirements for climate policy, and the focus on public renewables and all-electric buildings, which have profound environmental health impacts for our state's residents."

Bob Duffy, President and CEO of Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce said: “Our healthcare systems represent Upstate New York’s largest employers and are relied upon by our most vulnerable communities for critical services. We are grateful to Leader Stewart-Cousins and Senator Rivera for putting forth a proposal that offers more of the support these institutions need to keep delivering top quality services. We will continue to work with our partners in government to advocate for a final budget inclusive of adequate aid for our hospitals and long term care facilities.”

Bob Rossi, Executive Director of the New York Sustainable Business Council (NYSBC), said: “The business community applauds the NYS Senate for their climate leadership. While the fossil fuel industry rakes in record profits, our small businesses are the most impacted by climate-related disruptions. The Senate budget resolution would increase the Environmental Protection Fund and Clean Water Infrastructure Funding by $100 million each and also require fossil fuel companies—rather than New York businesses and taxpayers—to compensate the State per their greenhouse gas contributions. These are all essential steps towards a more just and resilient economy.”

Byron Brown, Mayor of Buffalo, said: “I thank Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Senators Tim Kennedy and Sean Ryan, and the New York Senate Majority Conference for passing a budget resolution that increases investments in Buffalo and other Upstate cities. We are pleased at the Senate’s call for increased funding for maintaining roads and highways, improving Upstate public transit, and providing more direct aid to municipalities. These resources will help us build the infrastructure we need to continue Buffalo’s economic progress and create a better future for all New Yorkers.”

Caitlin Lazarski, President, New York School Nutrition Association, said: “We applaud the Senate for recognizing the need to provide all students with equal access to school breakfast and lunch by eliminating any stigma or barriers for students all across the state.  Thank you for supporting Healthy Meal for All Students.”

Caring Majority said: “New York’s state legislators took an important step toward ending the home care crisis by rejecting the Governor’s plan to return home care jobs to minimum wage. Additionally, the Senate’s call for a $2 increase for home care workers sends a clear message that raising wages is the only solution to the home care crisis. We applaud Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Speaker Carl Heastie, lead sponsors Senator Rachel May and Assembly Member Amy Paulin, and all our state legislators for standing strong against the Governor’s proposal and for home care workers, as well as the older and disabled New Yorkers who rely on them.”

Charles Dedrick, Executive Director of the New York State Council of School Superintendents, said: “The Senate budget proposal supports key priorities that school leaders advocate and serve the best interests of their students. From fully funding Foundation Aid, to rejecting charter school expansion and the proposed tutoring set-aside, the Senate Majority demonstrates ongoing support for public schools. We want to especially thank Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Education Chair Shelley Mayer for their support for increasing funding for career and technical opportunities, increasing the capital outlay authority, and continuing to help schools meet hiring shortages by allowing retired educators return to work without limitations on what they may earn.”

Chi Loek, Executive Director of UA3, said: “UA3 expresses our gratitude to our legislative champions for their dedication and persistence in fighting for our equity budget. This budget is necessary in order for our on the ground services to be effectively serving our most vulnerable AAPI families from Jamaica, Flushing, Woodhaven, Sunset Park, Bensonhurst, Chinatown, LES to the South Bronx.”

Christopher L. Van Houten, MA/CAS, President of the New York Association of School Psychologists, said: "NYASP supports the initiatives of 8.5% COLA for all workers at O agencies, increasing the minimum wage and indexing it to inflation, as well as other initiatives to address workforce issues that are barriers to access desperately needed services, including mental and behavioral health services. Additionally, NYASP supports the expansion of Medicaid coverage of health-based social needs and mental and behavioral health services, especially those provided within the schools. Schools are a primary location of service provision and school psychologists, along with other mental health colleagues, are ideally situated to increase access to services for children and families."

Conor Bambrick, Director of Policy, Environmental Advocates NY, said: “A budget is a demonstration of values put into practice. It is clear from this budget proposal that the Senate Majority value clean water, clean air, and the health of New Yorkers. From $600 million for water infrastructure with a $50 million line item for lead service line replacement, to a solid plan to fund the state’s climate law, this proposal would accomplish a lot for New York’s environment. We look forward to continuing to work with the Senate to make these values a priority in the final budget.”

Daniel P. McCoy, Albany County Executive said:“This state budget has the potential to make historic investments in mental health and substance abuse support, environmental protection, critical infrastructure and more. However, we cannot do that by simply shifting costs down to municipalities. I want to thank Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and the Senate Democratic Conference for listening to the bipartisan calls from county leaders across the state to reject the Governor’s proposed intercept of eFMAP funding from the federal government. The removal of this proposal in the Senate one-house budget would save counties from an estimated $625 million of new annual expenses, which would only force us to either cut needed programs and services or raise property taxes.”

David Fisher, New York Farm Bureau President, said: "New York Farm Bureau appreciates the additional budget funding in the Senate's one-house proposal for many important agricultural priorities that include critical research, marketing, and environmental programs. Investing in agriculture is an investment in our food system and New York's economy. Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Michelle Hinchey has championed bills that support our family farms, and we look forward to working with her and her colleagues to secure a strong final budget for our farmers. This includes support for the diversity of New York agriculture and a competitive business climate that will offer greater opportunity for the future."

David Grusenmeyer, Executive Director, New York Farm Viability Institute said: “Agriculture is critical for a top quality food supply for NY consumers. In order to effectively provide the food and fiber we all need, farmers depend on the knowledge created through agricultural research to be efficient and successful with their businesses.  It’s great to see the Senate’s support for these research needs. The New York Farm Viability Institute board appreciates the Senate’s confidence in the organization, and our proposal review and selection process, to fund the highest priority research needs in NY.”

David Lamendola, Director for Verizon Government Affairs for New York and Connecticut, said: “We are pleased that the Senate has included Clean Slate as a budget priority. Verizon is one of the state’s largest private unionized employers and is engaged in this issue because we think people deserve second chances. This issue impacts millions of New Yorkers, including our customers, our employees and our business. We believe that if someone hasn’t had any convictions for a certain number of years and aren’t on parole, probation or the state registry, they should be able to finally move on with their life.”

David R. Jones, President and CEO of CSS, said: “The Community Service Society of New York (CSS) lauds Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Health Chair Gustavo Rivera, and the New York State Senate for including health coverage for immigrants in its one house budget bill. Our immigrant community deserves access to quality healthcare. By including immigrant coverage in its budget resolution, the State Senate has sent a clear message that New York will continue to be a progressive leader when it comes to healthcare policy.” 

Dede Hill, Policy Director Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy and Executive Committee Member, for the Empire State Campaign for Child Care, said: “We thank the Senate for including substantial new investment in the child care workforce and an expansion in child care assistance for families in the one-house budget. These investments represent important recognition that we can’t build a universal child care system that works for New York’s children, families, and economy unless we center the workforce that makes it possible. Investment in child care educators is an investment in New York’s prosperity and a flourishing future for all of our families; it is also the key to ensuring the success of New York’s historic expansions to child care assistance.”

Dennis Trainor, Vice President of CWA D1, said: "We are grateful to Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and the New York State Senate for a strong budget proposal that delivers for New Yorkers. From a mandate to raise the minimum wage and index it to inflation to lift up millions of workers, a significant investment in our hospitals to protect frontline healthcare workers and improve patient care, to funding for SUNY to finally eliminate fees for graduate workers so that no one is forced to pay to work. Thank you to the New York State Senate for once again delivering a budget that reflects a powerful commitment to workers."

Don Lee, Homecrest Chairman said: “At Homecrest Community Services working with southern Brooklyn’s fast-growing AAPI community, the need for our services has grown over the last 25 years far faster than our funding. I thank all legislators, including our AAPI legislators, for supporting the full AAPI Equity Budget Coalition funding request as a matter of equity, justice and need.” 

Elizabeth Yeampierre, Executive Director of UPROSE, said: “The New York State Senate’s 2023 one-house budget proposal demonstrates the Senate’s commitment to delivering on the climate and environmental justice promises of our 2019 Climate Act. It also shows that they’re committed to securing justice for communities of color and low-income families living in environmental justice hotspots across the state. UPROSE and the communities it represents commend the Senate for leading the way toward clean air, affordable renewable energy, good union jobs, and a healthy future for our children and grandchildren.”

Erik Geizer, Chief Executive Officer of The Arc New York, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the Senate’s commitment to New Yorkers with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and the dedicated staff who support them. The inclusion of an 8.5% Cost of Living Adjustment in the state budget will help sustain critical services for individuals and families supported by non-profit providers throughout New York. Our system of supports is facing an escalating workforce and funding crisis that threatens the future of these essential supports. The Senate has heard our need, and taken steps to reverse that crisis. We thank Senate President Pro Tempore and Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins for her leadership, and Senator Mannion and others for their ardent support of New Yorkers with I/DD. The 8.5% COLA they have fought for must be non-negotiable in the final New York State budget, and the state must commit to ongoing support of New Yorkers with disabilities.”

Erin McGrath, Senior Policy Manager of the National Audubon Society, said: “Audubon applauds the Senate’s commitment to protecting our environment and thanks them for proposing robust funding and policies that will support the conservation and restoration of New York State’s natural resources. Providing $500 million for the Environmental Protection Fund, an additional $100 million for the Clean Water Infrastructure Act, and proposing additional protections for our streams and waterways will help ensure birds and people all have the resources they need to thrive. We look forward to working with Leader Stewart-Cousins, Senator Harckham, and the Senate to advocate for these important proposals.”

Farrah Mozawalla, Founder of the Asian American Institute for Research and Engagement (AAIRE), said: “Asian nonprofits have long been overlooked and underfunded, creating an uneven playing field that makes it difficult for our organizations to provide the necessary support and services to our communities. While we are grateful to our AAPI elected officials for championing the inclusion of AAPI funding in the Assembly and Senate One-House Budgets, it is crucial that this funding be included in the final State Budget. There is still much work to be done in addressing the systemic underfunding of the State's fastest-growing population, and we remain committed to advocating for equitable access to resources. We believe that funding allocations should be based on the needs of the community, and we will continue to work tirelessly to promote equity and inclusivity in all aspects of our society.”

Dr. Frederick E. Kowal, Ph.D, President of United University Professions, said: “UUP appreciates the Senate’s commitment to SUNY in its one-house budget proposal, particularly the infusion of operating aid for our cash-strapped campuses and more funding for SUNY’s opportunity and mental health care programs. We look forward to working with the Senate majority to secure increased funding needed to stabilize our SUNY campuses and teaching hospitals in the final budget.”

Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce said: "While all three budget proposals have items we agree and disagree with, Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and her key staff have been accessible and have listened to us during this on-going process and we welcome several positive steps in the Senate's one-house budget bill that respond to expressed concerns and needs that we raised. This includes rejection of the proposed shift of more of the Medicaid burden on counties and therefore property taxes, and dropping a proposal which could have subjected our community colleges to possible state funding reductions at a time when we need to be strengthening these workforce training assets. The bill also fully embraces the MTA capital plan which is directly important to dozens of transportation equipment companies in the North Country, creates new small business and entrepreneurial support programs, tables a concept to help address the state's massive Unemployment Insurance debt, and commits to the shared aims of developing substantial new levels of housing, including in the Adirondacks which has been the subject of a direct dialogue. We look forward to continuing to work with the Senate on these and other outstanding matters, while welcoming progress on these important items."

Gary LaBarbera, President of the New York State Building and Construction Trades Council, said: “We thank Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and the Democratic Conference for continuing to be advocates for the thousands of hard working, middle class New Yorkers who deserve to be treated with respect and dignity on the jobsite and compensated accordingly for the important role they play in building New York back better. It is crucial that infrastructure projects proposed in the State budget create union careers with middle-class family-sustaining wages. This is why we are encouraged to see worker protections and labor standards incorporated heavily into the Senate’s proposed budget. The Building Trades look forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure that the final State budget includes these measures that value the work done by our tradesmen and tradeswomen, who help uplift our economy and improve the lives of all New Yorkers.”

George Latimer, Westchester County Executive said:"I strongly support the one house budget proposal that rejects the Medicaid local growth takeover and Revenue Part M, which would have severe negative fiscal impacts for counties like Westchester.  The New York State Senate has given critical support to our local governments, transportation and infrastructure – and have saved us from potentially devastating financial impacts.  The one house budget proposal is a smart investment in our future, and I thank Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and all of our representatives in Albany who work hard on our behalf.”

Glenn Liebman, CEO of MHANYS, said: “On behalf of the Mental Health Association in New York State (MHANYS), we thank Leader Cousins and the members of the Senate for the introduction of their one-house budget resolution. Of greatest interest to us is the Senate’s commitment to fully funding the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)  for the not for profit workforce to the 8.5% based on the CPI. In addition, the language provides a COLA annually based on the CPI.  The human service workforce has long struggled to recruit and retain quality staff. Adding this COLA is a recognition of the importance of our workforce.  We also thank the Senate and especially Senate Mental Health Chair Samra Brouk for her leadership in adding funding for Daniel’s Law. For too long, the crisis system of care for people with mental health struggles has been a patchwork of services. By funding Daniel’s Law in combination of funding for 988 and Crisis Stabilization Centers, this will help provide a response that will lead to less people in crisis ending up in emergency rooms or the corrections system.”

Healthy School Meals for All Campaign said: “We are thrilled that the Senate included $280 million for Healthy School Meals for All in its one-house budget bill. Since federal funding for universal free school meals expired in June, students have gone to class hungry and school meal debt has skyrocketed. These challenges have impacted families across the state, with particularly significant negative impacts on communities of color, rural areas, and suburban regions. Universal free school meals is a proven policy that reduces food insecurity, supports student success, increases equity in schools, and supports families that are struggling to make ends meet. We applaud the Senate for supporting this critical policy.”

Helen Schaub, Vice President and Interim Political Director of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, said: “The New York State Senate one-house resolution is an important step forward in closing the Medicaid gap and ensuring access to high-quality hospital, nursing home and home care services for vulnerable New Yorkers.  On behalf of the 300,000 New York healthcare workers represented by our union, we thank Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and the State Senate Democratic Conference for reversing the Governor’s damaging Medicaid and 340b cuts, raising Medicaid rates and healthcare worker's wages and adding $1 billion in desperately-needed support for safety net institutions. We are also glad that proposals to rein in the predatory practices of for-profit insurance companies and staffing agencies are being advanced.  We look forward to working with the Majority Leader and State Senators to ensure that these dollars and policies are included in the final budget.”

Isabel Ching, Executive Director, Hamilton-Madison House, said: “Hamilton-Madison House celebrates this essential investment made in the Asian-American and Pacific Islander community by this year’s NY State Budget. These resources come at a critical time for the AAPI community we serve, where we saw, first-hand, disproportionate impacts from the pandemic and anti-Asian-American hate crimes against a backdrop of historic underinvestment in our community. Community-based organizations are indispensable institutions in our neighborhoods for providing critically needed social services. Hamilton-Madison House looks forward to continuing to provide essential assistance to our clinical patients, while enriching the lives of our seniors, youth, and young adults through our programming. We remain grateful to our state legislators who tirelessly advocated for this much-needed investment in the well-being of our community.”

James Davis, President of the Professional Staff Congress/CUNY, said: “We commend the Senate and Assembly for endorsing substantial increases in operational funding and capital investment for CUNY in their one-house budgets. The Legislature’s commitment to revitalizing public higher education is crucial right now. Facing an increasingly uncertain economic future, low-income and working New Yorkers, immigrant communities, and communities of color are counting on CUNY – and on Albany – to ensure continued economic mobility and opportunity. The Legislature’s opposition to tuition hikes and the investments they have prioritized can bring us closer to realizing a New Deal for CUNY while protecting students and staff from painful cuts to academic programs and student services threatened by pandemic enrollment declines and the expiration of federal stimulus. We look forward to working with Governor Hochul, Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Speaker Heastie and the many CUNY champions in the Legislature to deliver a final budget that realizes CUNY’s potential as an engine of opportunity and equity.”

Jasmine Gripper, Executive Director, Alliance for Quality Education, said: "We applaud Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and the Senate for proposing a budget that prioritizes New York's children and families. Their proposal brings us one step closer to actualizing the promise of the Campaign for Fiscal Equity. New York State is on track to fully fund 100 percent of Foundation Aid for the first time since its creation. We are overjoyed to finally see our schools poised to receive the funding that Black, brown, and low-income students have long needed and deserved. We're enthusiastic to see the Senate recognize the need to provide direct financial assistance to the educators who care for our infants, toddlers, and young children. New York's child care workers, largely Black and brown, mostly women, currently earn poverty wages. But by investing in improving compensation for the child care workforce, we can expand access and help more families. The New York State Senate's budget proposal recognizes that our state must invest in our children, families, and public schools."

Jawanza Williams, Director of Organizing at VOCAL-NY, said: “VOCAL-NY has worked for years to address the intersecting crises of AIDS, homelessness, incarceration and overdose in NYS. We are encouraged by the leadership of the Senate that their One-House reflects not only commitment to funding HAVP, Overdose Prevention Centers, a statewide AIDS housing initiative, and support for Daniel’s Law with the intention towards statewide implementation. We equally applaud the rejection of further changes to our common sense bail reform, and the continuation of failed drug war policies. A final budget that keeps these initiatives fully intact will be a just budget that New Yorkers for generations will be better off for.”

Jennifer March, Executive Director of Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York, said: “CCC applauds NYS Senate leadership for a one-house bill that proposes critical actions to address the needs of New York's children and families as they struggle to overcome the aftereffects of the Covid-19 pandemic. So many of the proposals advanced resonate with CCC as they combat poverty and promote economic mobility, increase access to stable, affordable housing, and prioritize health and well-being including lifting the minimum wage, providing 8.5 % COLAs for the health and human services workforce, creating a statewide housing subsidy (HAVP) and funding for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, expanding access to universal school meals, and reforming the Empire State Child Credit and the NYS Earned Income Tax Credit. We also are pleased to see a commitment to expanding supports for children, youth and families through rate increases for Early Intervention programs, restoring funds for child welfare prevention, and permanently re-authorizing Close to Home.  We stand ready to work with state senate leaders to move these priorities forward as the SFY’24 budget process proceeds.”

Jeffrey Call, Chairperson of the United New York Ambulance Network, said: “On behalf of the United New York Ambulance Network (UNYAN) and our over 40 member companies who provide vital ambulance services for the entire state, I wish to thank Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins and the rest of the chamber for including our top priority policy measures in the one-house resolution. These changes, such as an expanded definition of EMS, mobile integrated healthcare, training, recruitment and retention programs, have been sought after by our members for several years. Additionally, we are incredibly happy to see the ambulance service provider assessment included in the budget proposal. It will give EMS providers the funds they need to continue delivering critical services, ensure the highest quality of care is maintained, and support wages. We greatly appreciate you advocating for all of UNYAN’s priorities and are eager to see them in the enacted FY 2023-24 New York State budget. These changes will improve the state’s healthcare system for all New Yorkers.”

Jen Metzger, Ulster County Executive, said: “As a County leader committed to addressing the climate crisis and improving our resilience to its impacts, I want to thank Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and the State Senate for a  one-house budget bill that includes major initiatives supported by the Climate Action Council's Scoping Plan--among them, requirements for all-electric new construction, new funding for upstate public transit, an Extended Producer Responsibility program, an improved Bottle Bill, and needed legislation to align utility regulation with the Climate Act. I was also very pleased to see increased funding to improve the resilience of our local infrastructure, including our bridges and roads, to the impacts of climate change.  The Senate one-house budget reflects a strong commitment to meeting the objectives of the Climate Act, which I was proud to help pass when I served in the State Senate, and I hope to see all of these provisions included in the final Budget. We face a climate crisis and we have no time to lose.”

Jeremy Cherson, Senior Manager of Government Affairs at Riverkeeper, said: “The Senate’s one-house budget takes aim at plastic pollution through the overdue expansion of the bottle bill, builds upon New York’s successful water infrastructure grant program with an additional $100 million bringing it to a total of $600 million, extends new protections to 41,000 miles of waterways, and grows the Environmental Protection Fund to a historic $500 million. The proposals included by the Senate represent a historic step forward for environmental protection in New York. Riverkeeper applauds the Senate under the leadership of Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Environmental Conservation Committee chairman Pete Harckham for putting forward an ambitious environmental budget resolution.”

Jo-Ann Yoo, Executive Director of the Asian American Federation, said: "The AAPI community is the fastest-growing community in our State, with significant growth on Long Island and Upstate. Our community is also navigating multiple crises at once, with our direct services providers struggling to keep up with demand after years of systemic underfunding. As the co-leaders of the AAPI Equity Budget Coalition, we're glad that the Senate has acknowledged the importance of prioritizing and funding our community through its One-House Budget allocation. This funding must be included in the final State Budget, our community depends on it."

John Emra, President, AT&T Atlantic Region, said: “As a company that has been providing telecommunications support to first responders since the late 1870’s we know firsthand the vital importance of upgrading New York’s 9-1-1 system to include the most advanced technologies to help enhance public safety by delivering greater reliability and functionality. We applaud Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and the New York State Senate Democratic Conference for its leadership for calling for funding for the state’s critical transition to Next Generation 9-1-1. New York residents and its brave first responders -- deserve the most innovative public safety tools because, in an emergency, every second counts, and funding Next Generation 9-1-1 is a major step towards making the Empire State safer for all.”

John R. Durso, President of Local 338 RWDSU/UFCW, said: “The New York State Senate Majority, under the leadership of Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, released their one-house budget proposal which includes crucial provisions for our State’s working families. We applaud the continued commitment of the New York State Senate to provide the necessities that working families need, such as childcare funding, wage increases for those who care for the most vulnerable in our communities, and creating job opportunities in the emerging cannabis industry by investing in workforce development. We’re looking forward to seeing the passage of this budget and our continued partnership with the Senate to fight on behalf of working New Yorkers.”

Jose Lopez, Co-Executive Director of Make the Road New York, said: “The State Senate’s budget proposal includes critical measures that, if enacted, would help workers earn fair pay for a day’s work, keep tenants in their homes, and ensure that all New Yorkers have access to the health insurance and care they deserve. The Senate has markedly improved upon Governor Hochul’s executive budget proposal, which fell far short of meeting these vital needs. We particularly appreciate the Senate’s inclusion of the Coverage for All proposal to expand health coverage to low-income undocumented people, good cause eviction protections and resources for the Housing Access Voucher Program to safeguard tenants, a minimum wage proposal that includes an initial pay increase for workers and indexing to inflation thereafter, and the support for excluded workers.”

Joseph Geiger, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the New York City & Vicinity District Council of Carpenters, said: “We applaud the New York State legislature for recognizing that we cannot build truly affordable housing without strong labor protections that will also create thousands of new career opportunities in the building trade unions for all New Yorkers. While negotiations continue, the one-house budgets are a powerful first step that puts workers over powerful interests. Additionally, if a limited number of developments want to be granted “special treatment “on 421-a, then those developers must pay prevailing wage and provide tenant protections - just as it was required in the past. After all, if taxpayers will be footing the bill for private developments, we must at the very least ensure that construction workers and their families are not exploited along the way.”

 Jullian Harris-Calvin, Director of the Vera Institute of Justice’s Greater Justice New York program, said: “The data shows bail reform is delivering both safety and justice for New Yorkers by ending a system in which wealth determined who stayed in jail, without driving an increase in crime or rearrests. The Vera Institute of Justice applauds the Senate for following the evidence, rejecting Governor Hochul’s proposal to further erode New York State’s successful pre-trial reforms, and prioritizing meaningful investments in public safety—including budgeting an additional $20K million for pre-trial services.”

Julie Suarez, Associate Dean of Land Grant Affairs for Cornell CALS, said: “Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is grateful for the ongoing leadership of Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Michele Hinchey and their Senate colleagues, who consistently provide much appreciated resources to generate science based solutions to the important challenges before the food and farming community. In addition to critical program restorations, this proposal provides resources to work with farmers, solar developers, and landowners to develop much-needed strategies to facilitate agrivoltaics, designed to enable farmers to sustainably intensify food production while also earning an income from renewable energy generation on land under large scale solar installations.”

Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters, said: “The New York League of Conservation Voters applauds the New York State Senate for making the environment a priority in their One-House Budget. From building decarbonization – including of state facilities – to waste reduction and recycling, as well as increased funding for the Environmental Protection Fund, the Clean Water Infrastructure Act, and the MTA, the measures in the Senate budget will help the state meet the goals set out in the CLCPA and put in place the policies we need to face down the increasingly urgent climate crisis.”

Justine Olderman, Executive Director of The Bronx Defenders, said: "We applaud the State Senate for proposing a budget that stands against the Governor's rollback of bail reform. As public defenders in the Bronx, we know that true community safety requires investments in programs and policies like the Clean Slate Act that address the root causes of legal system entanglement, while increased funding for public defense will improve fairness in our legal system."

Kathleen Brady-Stepien, President & CEO, Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies, said: “We applaud the Senate Majority for demonstrating incredible leadership on human services and child welfare.  An 8.5% COLA will strengthen the ability of human services programs across the state in meeting the needs of children, families, and communities this year.  The Senate also proposes to invest additional funding in the state’s child welfare financing, which will assist communities in doing more to prevent entry into foster care and to support family preservation.  New York’s child welfare staff and programs applaud the Senate for your commitment and support.  We look forward to continuing work with the legislature to see these important investments in the Enacted budget.”

Kathleen Halas, Executive Director of the Child Care Council of Westchester, Inc., said: “We are so grateful to the NYS Majority Conference for its increase of $1.1 Billion for child care over the Executive Budget.   As New York wisely expands child care access, it is essential that a stable, qualified child care workforce be in place to welcome an increased number of hard-working families.  The proposed investment recognizes the severity of the child care staffing crisis, and sends a clear message to New York’s families, employers and our child care professionals that a strong child care system is essential today and for a strong future.”

Kathryn Gioiosa, Co-Executive Director of TREEage, said: "TREEage is proud to have such strong champions in the State Senate and commends leadership for taking much-needed action by including the Climate and Community Protection Fund, Climate Superfund Act, NY HEAT Act, Build Public Renewables Act, and the All-Electric Buildings Act in their one-house budget proposal. We know that young people deserve healthy schools, training for jobs in the renewable energy field, and a clean economy that doesn’t pollute our neighborhoods and futures. We call on the Assembly and Governor Hochul to be bold champions for climate justice this year."

Kavita Mehra, Executive Director, Sakhi for South Asian Women said: "Sakhi for South Asian Women is grateful to our legislative champions Senator Iwen Chu and Assemblymember Grace Lee for their advocacy in including the combined over $60 million dollars for the Asian American community across New York into the One-House Budgets. This historic investment will strengthen Sakhi's capacity to address shadow pandemic and serve survivors of gender-based violence."

Kenneth E. Raske, President Greater New York Hospital Association, said: “The hospital community thanks Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and her colleagues for understanding the immense financial challenges our hospitals face, particularly their exploding labor costs fueled by an unprecedented labor shortage. We are especially grateful for the Senate’s 10% Medicaid rate increase, protection of 340B providers, funding for safety net hospitals, health coverage for more New Yorkers, and reining in of insurers’ ‘site of service’ policies. All New Yorkers will benefit from the Senate’s actions to bring stability to New York’s health care system.''

Kelly Dodd, Director of 211, United Way of NYS said: “211 NYS, along with United Way of New York State, are grateful the Senate, once again, included $2.4 million to support 211.  This funding is essential to maintaining the public/private partnership.  211 is available 24/7/365 to provide assistance to New Yorkers, counties, and local governments from helping those in need to responding in times of disaster and crisis.  We look forward to working with the Senate to include funding in the Enacted budget and to secure a dedicated funding source.”

Kim Elliman, President and CEO of the Open Space Institute, said: “The Open Space Institute applauds New York State lawmakers for prioritizing the environment, land protection, and parks as part of this year’s budget process. The Senate’s restoration of $50 million in state parks capital funds and its increase for Environmental Protection Fund, to an unprecedented $500 million, underscores the value of parks and wild land. Thanks to Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and her Senate colleagues for their steadfast support for protecting New York’s irreplaceable natural resources.  We look forward to their continued leadership as a budget is finalized in the coming weeks.”

Kim Sweet, Executive Director, Advocates for Children of New York, said: “We appreciate that the Senate budget proposal includes an 11% rate increase for Early Intervention providers. These services can be life-changing for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities, but due to a shortage of providers, every year thousands of children in New York State are forced to wait months for their legally mandated services to begin—and some children never receive services at all. It’s critical that the final budget include this long-overdue 11% increase.”

Laura Ladd Bierman, Executive Director, League of Women Voters of New York State, said: “The League was pleased to see the Senate's expansion of direct funding for local boards of elections, support for funding the public campaign finance program, and the inclusion of voting rights bills in its one house budget. Both funding and bill language were included to establish the New York Voting and Elections Database and Institute, which will support the implementation of the historic John R. Lewis NY Voting Rights Act. We strongly support new efforts to increase support and professionalism at local boards of elections. The League applauds the Senate for their continued efforts to improve democracy and elections in New York State.  We strongly urge the Governor and legislative leaders to include these bills in the final version of the budget.”

Lara Skinner, Director of Cornell ILR's Climate Jobs Institute said: “Thank you to Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and the Democratic Conference for their commitment to transitioning to a clean energy economy that does not leave union workers or frontline communities behind. Our new Institute at Cornell will help to ensure that we are able to provide necessary analysis to assist policymakers with data necessary in developing a roadmap for the State’s transition.  We look forward to working with all stakeholders to make sure the Institute is included in the final State Budget plan adopted this year.”

Laurie Wheelock, Executive Director of  PULP, said: “PULP is grateful for the Senate Majority's One-House budget, which supports common sense measures to help low-income New Yorkers manage their energy bills. Requiring the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance and the electric/gas utilities to share data will automatically enroll more eligible households in monthly discount programs, making energy more affordable for those who need it most. Moreover, the creation of the Climate and Community Protection Fund will direct much needed assistance specifically to low-income households and disadvantaged communities on an ongoing basis.”

Leon Boltstein, President of Bard College, said: "At Bard College, where our mission is to be a private college in the public interest, we believe investing in higher education is investing in the future of New York state. The inclusion of $50 million in the Higher Education Facilities Capital Matching Grants Program (HECap) will help institutions make critical infrastructure improvements so that we may continue to ensure our students are able to reach their highest potential. We thank the State Senate Democratic Conference, Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Higher Education Chairwoman Toby Ann Stavisky for their support."

Lisa Tyson, Executive Director Long Island Progressive Coalition, said: "When it comes to climate and energy, the Senate budget resolution goes a long way to ensuring a just transition. From standing strong on building public renewables, to holding polluters accountable, to ensuring dedicated investment to disadvantaged communities, the Senate has taken a strong stand for climate, jobs, and justice this year. We look forward to continuing to work with them, the Assembly, and the Governor to make these proposals a reality."

Liz Moran, New York Policy Advocate for Earthjustice, said: “Following enactment of New York’s nation-leading climate law, it is crucial to ensure this year’s state budget includes the bold funding and policies necessary to meet our mandates - Earthjustice applauds the New York Senate for doing just that. Once again, the Senate has shown support for a policy to mandate the electrification of new buildings. As the state with the highest building-sector emissions and most premature deaths in the country from fossil fuel combustion in buildings, this policy could not be more important for Governor Hochul and the Legislature to follow through on with the Senate’s faster timeline. The Senate has also set the table for a strong cap-and-invest program with the inclusion of strong protections for environmental justice communities and other safeguards to ensure the program effectively reduces emissions and directs investments where they are needed most. We thank the Senate for their leadership and look forward to working alongside the Legislature and the Governor for a landmark budget for the climate.”

Lucas Shapiro, Interim Executive Director of ALIGN, Steering Committee Member of NY Renews, said: "By backing key pillars of the Climate, Jobs, and Justice package and attaching gold-star labor standards, the Senate has invested in the future of our thriving green economy. We applaud the Senate for championing a bold, nation-leading agenda to address our urgent climate crisis, funding a just transition that puts workers and frontline communities first."

Malik D. Evans, Mayor of Rochester said: "The Senate's one-house budget resolution is a great example of our representatives getting it right for Rochester and the people of New York. With a significant increase in AIM and childcare funding, along with millions of dollars for violence prevention programs, we can move the needle on the critical issues we face and better support our city's most vulnerable youth and families."

Maria Alvarez, Executive Director of NY StateWide Senior Action Council, said: "I am pleased to note the priority the Senate Majority Conference has placed on upholding the rights and dignity of older New Yorkers," said Maria Alvarez, Executive Director, New York StateWide Senior Action Council. "Our own work staffing the Patients Rights Helpline, funded by a legislative appropriation, speaks to the many health policy issues facing older residents, including the crisis in home care and the need for quality care in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. We appreciate the Conference's recognition that the Department of Health should not delay or forego Assisted Living surveillance while pursuing a quality reporting system. The Conference's budget resolution will also improve the rate of site visits by the long term care ombudsman program.  Importantly, the resolution repeals limitations on Medicaid recipients' qualification for home care services and repeals the arbitrary Global cap on Medicaid spending. We thank the Conference for once again standing up for recruitment and retention of home care workers by their proposal to continue wage increases in this critical field and for their work to reduce waiting lists for Office for Aging in-home services. We are hopeful the Senate will prevail on these important issues as negotiations take place.”

Mark Dorr, President of New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association, said: “The NYS Hospitality and Tourism Association commends the Senate Majority for restoring $1 million to the Tourism Matching Funds Program; funding which helps tourism promotion agencies market their destinations to increase the number of visitors and level of spending across the state. We are grateful to the Senate Majority Conference for their leadership in furthering New York’s robust statewide tourism promotion program.  Initiatives like the matching program help ensure that tourism continues to be New York’s third largest industry.”

Mark Funk, President of the Chief Defenders Association of New York (CDANY), an association of Chiefs of indigent defense providers and Public Defenders statewide, said: “we greatly appreciate that the Senate recognizes the importance of the work of public defense institutions in New York State with the addition of $47 million to support Criminal Defender services, plus an added $40 million to support Discovery Reform for Criminal Defenders. This funding, if allocated in the final budget process, will go a long way to equal the playing field with prosecutors who received similar funding in the Governor’s proposed budget.”

Mark C. Poloncarz, Erie County Executive, said: “I thank the NYS Senate Majority for rejecting the proposed budget’s sweep of the enhanced Federal Medicaid Assistance Program. If this sweep occurs, it will cost Erie County $28 million annually and immediately put us in a $15 million deficit for the remainder of calendar year 2023. The NYS Senate Majority recognized the devastating effects this sweep would have on Erie County, as well as on other counties, and I thank them for acting to prevent it.”

Marilyn Stata, President of Self-Advocacy Association of NYS, said: "As President of SANYS I wish to share that we at SANYS strongly support the 8.5% COLA increase.  This increase is badly needed as we New Yorkers with Developmental Disabilities continue to go without the staff support we need to live the lives we want.  Nothing less than an 8.5% COLA is acceptable. We need New York State to come through for us.”

Michael J. Borges, Executive Director of the Rural Housing Coalition of New York, said: "The Rural Housing Coalition is extremely pleased the Senate budget proposal includes funding that will benefit rural communities throughout the state, particularly low-moderate income families, seniors and the disabled, as well as the non-profit organizations that provide essential housing services to these populations."

Michael Kink, Strong Economy for All, said: "The Senate budget proposal strikes a blow against economic inequality and for working people:  for a robust increase in the minimum wage, for better wages for home care and child care workers, for real investments in our communities paid for by making the wealthiest corporations and individuals pay what they owe. We support Leader Stewart-Cousins and her conference in their fight to increase affordability and decrease inequality in this year's final state budget."

Michael Mulgrew, President, United Federation of Teachers said: “New York’s public school students are the winners in the Senate and Assembly budget priorities. Legislators reinforced their commitment to fully fund Foundation Aid. They have said we have to invest in what works, whether that’s community schools or timely professional development for teachers. And they said ‘no’ to a proposal to lift the charter cap in New York City. Legislators value our public schools. Their actions prove it. And educators and parents appreciate it.”

Michael E. Zurlo, NYSAC President and Clinton County Administrator, said:  “The budget adopted by the State Senate strengthens the partnership between the State Legislature, which makes law, and the counties that implement it in our communities. New York’s county leaders applaud Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and the New York State Senate for adopting a budget that protects local property tax payers and local services by rejecting Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed $625 million Medicaid cost shift, removing an ill-conceived proposal to reform the In Rem foreclosure process, and providing counties with support to fund increased pay rates for 18-b public defense attorneys. We appreciate the Senate’s willingness to hear the concerns of local government leaders and work with us to develop a budget that will help make New York more affordable and responsive to the needs of our residents.”

Mikaela Perry, NY Policy Manager of the American Farmland Trust, said: “American Farmland Trust is thrilled to have the continued support of the New York State Senate to support farmers and permanently protect farmland. We especially applaud the Senate for their proposed increase to the Farmland for a New Generation New York program, and hope that the Assembly and Governor will work together to enact this increased funding so farmland not only remains in production, but also becomes accessible to a new and more diverse generation of farmers.”

Mohamed Q. Amin, Founder and Executive Director, Caribbean Equality Project said: "The combined $60 million NYS AAPI Equity Budget included in the Senate and Assembly One-house budgets is an acknowledgment of the life-saving resources needed to protect the diverse Asian communities. New York is home to the largest Indo-Caribbean and South Asian foreign-born population, and the Caribbean LGBTQ+ immigrants Caribbean Equality Project serve face unique challenges. Many vulnerable LGBTQ+ asylum seekers have been abandoned by their families or have fled anti-LGBTQ+ hate violence. Our members require year-round culturally component mental health care, community support networks, immigration services, and critical access to affordable housing and economic viability. The AAPI Equity Budget amplifies the intersectionality of our collective fight for fiscal equity, an investment in community-driven solutions to create thriving, sustainable immigrant communities."

Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director of the New York Immigration Coalition, said: “The New York State Senate and Assembly under the leadership of Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie took an unprecedented first step in ensuring the health and prosperity of every family who calls New York home. The Senate’s newly released budget proposes a historic investment  in legal services funding, an expansion in health insurance coverage to low-income immigrant New Yorkers, and provides economic security for immigrant New Yorkers by allowing Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) filers to claim the state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) while extending the supplemental EITC payments for one year. We look forward to working with the Senate and Assembly to ensure  Governor Hochul and the Legislature hold firm to these $120 million commitments and include them all in the final budget. From the days of Ellis Island, immigrants have played a defining role in building New York. Governor Hochul must follow the State Senate’s lead and fully invest in the programs that will allow immigrant New Yorkers to keep their families together, stay in their communities and thrive in New York.”

Myoungmi Kim, President and CEO of Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York, Inc. (KCS), said: “Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York, Inc. (KCS) firmly supports the $66.5 million AAPI Equity Budget. This funding will be critical to improving the welfare of historically underserved AAPI communities in New York State, which currently represent more than 11% of the state’s population. It will not only address the distinct needs of AAPI communities in the areas of mental health, public health, economic development, but also uplift many essential organizations that serve various AAPI individuals across the state. We commend and stand in support of Senators Iwen Chu and John Liu, Assemblymember Grace Lee, and the other legislators who are championing the AAPI Equity Budget for this upcoming fiscal year.”

NYS Community Schools Network said: "The NYS Community Schools Network applauds the Senate for their investment of $105 million in dedicated Community Schools funds in their one-house budget resolution. The community schools strategy coordinates the resources and relationships in a community to meet the needs of students so that everyone can thrive. Dedicated funding for community schools in New York would be game-changing, allowing schools to target and maximize resources toward holistic, integrated services that best promote student success."

The New York Library Association said: “The New York Library Association applauds the members of the Senate for their continued support of our state’s library community. If enacted, the Senate’s proposal to improve the Executive Budget’s allocations for Library Operating Aid and Library Construction Aid by $7M and $25M, respectively, would allow our libraries the opportunity to serve their patrons, their communities, and the State of New York in ways previously priced out of the realm of possibility. Nevertheless, even with the increases articulated, libraries still face staggering financial needs left unaddressed, including $1.5B in construction and $44M for operations. We look forward to the opportunity to continue working with our library champions in Albany over the coming weeks to secure these sorely needed funds and position our libraries for success.”

The NY State Chapters Coalition of the Climate Reality Project- Anshul Gupta, Steering Committee said: "Overcoming extraordinary attacks by the oil and gas industry’s lobbying and disinformation machine, the Senate has included most provisions of the All-Electric Building Act to phase out fossil fuels in new construction in its one-house budget. The proposal also includes the NY Home Energy Affordable Transition Act to modernize the state’s outdated Public Service Law and to repeal an atrocious subsidy that gives away free new gas hookups, leaving ratepayers on the hook to cover the costs, while the gas utilities laugh all the way to the bank. We applaud the Senate’s leadership on building decarbonization and believe that these policies should be enacted with the earliest possible implementation dates."

The New York Coalition for Doula Access said: “The New York Coalition for Doula Access (NYCDA) is thrilled to see an equitable Medicaid reimbursement rate of $1930 included in the Senate Budget Resolution. We’ve been advocating for over a decade for doulas to make a livable wage and be recognized for their role in improving maternal and infant health outcomes particularly among historically marginalized communities. We applaud the leadership of Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Senator Brouk, Senator Rivera, and Senator Webb for their advocacy and commitment. We eagerly await Governor Hochul to include this in the final State budget.”

New York State Parent Teacher Association, said: “NYS PTA is highly pleased with the actions in the Senate one-house budget, especially including: Healthy School Meals for ALL children; the historic investment in Foundation Aid; additional support for our most vulnerable students; support for community schools,  universal Pre-K, CTE, and BOCES; and the rejection of the harmful shifting of the Charter School cap.  This one-house budget truly reflects the Senate’s commitment to our 2.6 million public school children, their families, and our schools.”

Pat Kane, RN, Executive Director of NYSNA said: “NYSNA is pleased to see the Senate propose a budget that centers patients, caregivers, and communities during this critical time. New York needs investment in healthcare infrastructure, not cuts. Our frontline healthcare professionals and caregivers need to be respected and not stretched further past their limits. It is imperative the state rejects harmful cuts like the proposed extension of the Global Medicaid Cap that puts undue pressure on our public system and instead increases support for the safety net. We look forward to continuing to work with the Senate to make sure we invest in healthcare and support our frontline caregivers.”

Paul Steely White,  Executive Director of Parks and Trails, said: “Parks & Trails New York applauds the clear, decisive leadership from the Senate’s one-house budget proposal to continue vital statewide environmental stewardship and care for our public lands. The Senate's move to restore State Parks’ capital funding to last year’s $250 million is laudable, as the $250M is the minimum amount to cover critical infrastructure needs for our extensive State Parks system; a system whose visitorship has continued to outpace funding year over-year, reaching a record-breaking 80 million visits in 2022 alone. Our Senators have responded to the clear call of citizens, partners, and grassroots organizations from every corner of New York State: our parks, greenway trails, and public lands are vital to New Yorkers’ health, wellbeing, and livelihoods. PTNY is in full support of the one-house budget, and is grateful to have legislators who recognize that green infrastructure is critical to New York’s present and Future.”

Paige Pierce of Families Together in New York State, said: “As a statewide network of families and young people with lived experience navigating behavioral healthcare and other child-serving systems, Families Together in New York State applauds the Senate for advancing an 8.5% COLA in their budget proposal and supporting provisions that move us closer to parity between behavioral health and physical health. New York families need a workforce, not waitlists. Children experience time differently; the time a young person waits for life-saving mental health and addiction services should be measured in minutes, not months. Furthermore, long overdue are the proposed provisions that promote more aggressive parity enforcement, strengthen network adequacy standards, and close the gap in reimbursement rates and service coverage between commercial insurance and Medicaid coverage. Families should have access to everything the state has to offer regardless of their insurance carrier. These provisions move us closer to this goal.”

Peter Bauer, Executive Director of Protect the Adirondacks, said: “Hats off to the New York State Senate for making a real difference for the Adirondack Park and Adirondack communities in its budget resolution. From a historic boost in the Environmental Protection Fund to supporting the Adirondack Diversity Initiative to focusing attention on Forest Preserve Stewardship to standing up for land protection, this budget sets out objectives that make serious long-term investments in the environment and economy of the Adirondacks and North Country.”

Peter A. Baynes, Executive Director of the New York State Conference of Mayors (NYCOM), said: "NYCOM applauds Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and her conference for strengthening the local government components of the Executive Budget. The housing proposal in the Senate one-house budget acknowledges the essential role local democracy plays in establishing land use policy and that the state government should not circumvent this process. The Senate's approach of strong incentives for local governments to pursue housing growth targets will be collaborative and yield stronger results.  We also thank the Senate for including increased investments in general purpose, transportation and economic development aid as a way of offsetting some of the expense of municipal services that would otherwise be borne by property taxpayers.  Mayors from throughout New York are ready to work with our state partners to expand housing opportunities, ensure public safety, and provide reliable municipal infrastructure. If the initiatives included in the Senate one-house budget are secured during budget negotiations, cities and villages will be in a much stronger position to achieve those goals."

Phoebe C. Boyer, President and CEO of Children's Aid, said: "Children's Aid is committed to ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn, grow and lead, and advocating for community schools is a significant part of that commitment. We are thrilled the State Senate included a $105 million investment in community schools in their one-house budget proposal. We thank Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and the New York State Senate Majority Conference for continuing to support our schools and our young people." 

Potri, Kinding Sindaw said: “The AAPI budget proposal of a combined over 60 Million dollars by the Senate and Assembly is for AAPI non-profit organizations to implement government programs that would empower the New York State AAPI and BIPOC communities that have been underserved. This budget will enhance equity, and support the campaign for mental health and anti-Asian hate. The projects that this budget will support will impact New York State to become a place of solidarity and a safe happy home for AAPI and all communities.”

Rickey Armstrong, Sr., President of the Seneca Nation said: “The Seneca Nation applauds the State Senate for including specific measures in its one-house budget proposal to address important concerns for the Seneca people and for Native Nations within New York. Prospect Hill Road has been a significant public safety risk on our Cattaraugus Territory for far too long. After pressing this issue and the need for repairs with State and Federal representatives for years, we appreciate the inclusion of funding for repairs in the Senate’s budget proposal. We hope the Assembly and the Executive Chamber will likewise move to protect our people and those traveling on our territories by including this funding in the final budget. Likewise, the Senate is calling for the creation of the Office of Native American Affairs. New York State’s dealings with Native Nations are fractured. Native issues and priorities have been met with silence or expressly dismissed in Albany for far too long. The Seneca Nation and other Native Nations within New York deliver significant economic and cultural benefits to our regions, from one end of the state to the other. All too often, our people and our priorities seem to only have a place on Albany’s back burner. The Governor can demonstrate a true willingness to work with our Nations by taking the Senate’s recommendation and establishing an office that will help give Native people and our priorities a rightful voice in Albany and across the state.”

Safe Horizon said: "Safe Horizon applauds the New York State Senate for adding $5 million in their budget proposal to bolster the capacity of Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) across New York State. New York's 47 CACs provide a coordinated investigation and response to the most serious cases of child sexual and physical abuse in the state. Every day, our dedicated staff work with children who have lived through horrors – we collaborate with government partners to make sure children are safe, support their caregivers, and provide expert trauma-focused care. Safe Horizon's five CACs - one in each borough of New York City - responded to over 8,800 child victims and nearly 4,000 caregivers just last year. Across the entire state, CACs responded to over 22,400 child victims. Safe Horizon expresses our profound gratitude to Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Senators Jessica Ramos, Jabari Brisport, and Roxanne Persaud for their leadership, and to the entire Senate Democratic conference for adding this critical funding in their budget proposal. We urge Albany's leadership to keep this funding intact in the final enacted budget for FY24."

Samuel Fresina, President, New York State Professional Fire Fighters Association said: “The New York State Professional Fire Fighters Association appreciates the Senate Majority’s approach toward stabilizing fire service in New York State to improve emergency response. Our organization and its 18,000 members in 108 locals supports continued collective collaboration between all stakeholders in reimagining fire protection services in the cities, towns and villages across the state.”

Sharon Horton, Interim Executive Director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness-New York State, said: "The leading advocacy priority for the National Alliance on Mental Illness-New York State (NAMI-NYS) is increasing access to mental health supports and services. We applaud the Senate for taking bold steps towards that goal in their budget-bill. NAMI-NYS is enthused to see the Senate bill include the expansion of certified community behavioral health clinics (CCBHCs) and the strengthening of insurance parity laws. It is impossible to expand services without a funded and sustainable workforce, which is why NAMI-NYS is grateful to the Senate for including a critically needed 8.5% COLA for the dedicated workforce. We also celebrate the inclusion of initiatives to address maternal mental health issues."

The School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS), said: "The School Administrators Association of New York State (SAANYS) is pleased to see key education revisions and additions in the senate one-house budget resolution. SAANYS is particularly supportive of the Senate’s inclusion of funding for universal breakfast and lunch for all students and its rejection of the governor’s proposal to lift the charter school cap. SAANYS also appreciates the Senate protecting Foundation Aid by rejecting the overly prescriptive concept that high-impact tutoring must be provided though that funding source. Importantly, the Senate resolution also provides funding for professional development for building administrators across the state – SAANYS strongly supports this inclusion and thanks the Senate for understanding the value of continual professional learning and growth for school leaders. Throughout the pandemic and now post-pandemic period, schools continue to work tirelessly to provide the necessary programs and services to support our students and their future goals and endeavors. SAANYS feels the Senate one-house resolution is a strong and tangible demonstration of support of this hard work and the senate’s overall commitment to New York’s public schools."

Stephan Edel,  Coalition Coordinator at NY Renews, said: “The hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers represented by the NY Renews coalition applaud the bold leadership of the NYS Senate today. The Senate’s one-house budget proposal includes monumental wins for climate, environmental justice, public health, and our state’s just and equitable transition to a 100% renewable-energy economy. If passed in full, New Yorkers statewide would begin to see reduced pollution, lower energy costs, and a boom in unionized clean-energy jobs as quickly as 2024. We look forward to continuing to build alignment for climate and environmental justice with Senate leaders in the year to come.”

Steve Bellone, Suffolk County Executive, said: “I want to thank the State Senate for advancing a budget proposal that champions issues critical to Long Island, including public transportation, infrastructure and water quality.”

Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) said: “We applaud the NYS Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and the Senate Majority for advancing a bold agenda to raise up all New Yorkers. Amid staggering levels of inflation, workers need fair pay. The Senate One House Budget advocates for a living wage first and foremost, then indexing that wage to inflation. This will ensure New York’s workers get a fair shake in this tough economy, and that includes access to affordable childcare. The Senate budget proposes sustained funding for the Child Care Facilitated Enrollment Program that will benefit working families. Lastly, the Senate budget proposal seeks to protect the 340B Medicaid Pharmacy Benefit Program, which provides essential funding for many safety-net providers throughout New York. We thank the Majority Leader for her leadership on these key issues.”

Sochie Nnaemeka, NYS Director, Working Families Party said: “Over the past year we’ve seen rising rents and inflation push working families to the edge. We applaud Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and our Senate partners for including Good Cause eviction protections and the Housing Access Voucher Program (HAVP) in their one-house budget. This legislative package will go a long way toward stabilizing housing costs and ensuring safe housing for all New Yorkers. We also commend our Senate Leaders for including critical funding for the state’s incoming public financing program, lifting the wage floor for workers, and extending the corporate tax rate, so we can make deep and sustained investments in communities across New York State. As we move toward a final budget, we will work with our partners in the Legislature to protect against corporate giveaways, charter cap expansion, and rollbacks to civil rights protections, and push for a budget that meets the everyday needs of working New Yorkers.”

Raul J. Aguirre, Acting Executive Director of the Adirondack Council, said: “Research is urgently needed to protect New Yorkers living on the frontlines of climate change. The Adirondack Council thanks the Senate Majority for proposing to fully fund a Survey of Climate and Adirondack Lake Ecosystems and the Timbuctoo Climate Careers Institute, which will help protect clean air and water for all New Yorkers across the state and achieve climate justice in the decades to come.”

Rebecca Garrard, Legislative Director of Citizen Action of NY, said: "Our members across the state have worked tirelessly to ensure that 2023 is a year that brings transformational change to their communities. We are extremely grateful to the Senate Democratic leadership and conference for passing a One House budget that includes Good Cause and HAVP, historic climate initiatives, and funding for child care providers. This is what leadership looks like. We are confident the Senate will center the needs of everyday New Yorkers all the way through final budget negotiations.”

Robert S. Schneider, Executive Director of the New York State School Boards Association, said: “By accepting the governor’s proposal to fully fund foundation aid and by supporting the study of necessary reforms to the aid formula, the Senate’s budget plan can help ensure a more stable and predictable financial future for school districts. With funding for universal school meals, school districts can fortify all students with healthy fuel for learning. And, by making it more affordable for school districts to provide career and technical education, New York can help more students prepare for skilled work beyond high school.”

Rich Schrader, New York Legislative and Policy Director for Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), said: "The Senate budget contains many items that will benefit communities across the state and address climate concerns. For example, increased funding for the Environmental Protection Fund, the NY HEAT and All-Electric Buildings Acts, and funding for clean water and ocean conservation. Not only do a number of the budget items invest in our future, they also improve public health and further the achievement of New York State's climate law, the CLCPA."

Rose Duhan, President & CEO of Community Health Care Association of New York State, said: “CHCANYS applauds the Senate Majority’s ongoing support for community health centers (CHCs) and their patients, as seen in the Senate one house budget bill.  Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Health Committee Chairman Gustavo Rivera clearly recognize that CHCs provide essential services to patients across the State. The Senate Majority’s endorsement of CHCs through their supporting an increase to Medicaid rates for community-based health centers, and the Conference’s efforts to block implementation of the pharmacy benefit carve out, are critical steps towards protecting CHCs and their patients.”

Sam Oliker-Friedland, Executive Director of the Institute for Responsive Government, said:

“The Senate’s proposed budget builds on a strong foundation from Gov. Hochul and will support secure, accessible elections in New York State with improved funding for poll workers and new equipment. I hope that the legislature will pass these provisions without delay so that local elections officials have as much time as possible to upgrade their equipment before the 2024 election cycle. We are grateful to the leadership of Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, who clearly heard and listened to the needs of local election officials in New York State.”

Silvercup Studios and Kaufman Astoria Studios said: “We applaud the Senate for once again supporting the film industry and its economic impact on NYS.”

Sydney Altfield, Executive Director, Teach NYS, said: “We are grateful to the Senate for their unwavering support and commitment to educating all New York children.  Funding for arts and music programs is crucial to ensuring students receive a well-rounded education. This funding will go a long way in inspiring student creativity and improving learning as our schools prepare students for the careers of tomorrow.”

Therese Rodriguez, CEO of APICHA said: "We applaud Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Senate Health Chairman Gustavo Rivera and the State Senate membership for their support of community healthcare providers like Apicha Community Health Center in the Senate one-house budget proposal. As the state navigates its transition to a new pharmacy benefit plan, we're pleased to see the Senate will ensure community health services and patients care are not disrupted."

Tina Luongo, Chief Attorney of the Criminal Defense Practice at The Legal Aid Society, said: “The Senate’s inclusion of $87 million for discovery technology and staffing needs, along with a $2 million allotment to expand New York’s public interest loan grant program, is recognition that public defenders, not just District Attorneys, are critical for ensuring justice in New York State. The Legal Aid Society lauds Senate lawmakers for including these needed initiatives in their one-house budget, measures Governor Hochul and the Assembly must support as well.”

Wayne Ho, President & CEO of the Chinese-American Planning Council said: “Our diverse AAPI communities are the fastest growing racial group in New York, and this historic commitment of a combined over $60 million in the Sente and Assembly one-houses in funding specifically for AAPI led and serving community-based organizations across the state would be an important step towards addressing urgent and growing community needs. We are hopeful for the inclusion of this full AAPI Equity Budget in the final State Budget to support critical programs on community safety, food insecurity, mental health, civic engagement, and more in immigrant and low-income communities. We thank our partners in the State Legislature for their leadership and commitment to AAPI New Yorkers."

Wayne Spence, President of PEF, said: “The New York State Public Employees Federation is very appreciative of the Senate Majority’s budget proposal which supports various civil service law and other changes that will begin the process of rebuilding the state workforce over the long term.  PEF also appreciates the Senate Majority’s continued strong support for our SUNY hospitals which provide access to quality health care services in their communities.”

Wendy Seligson, Co-Director of the Jewish Climate Action Network NYC, said: "Jewish Climate Action Network NYC supports the climate provisions added to the Senate’s One House Budget, which go a long, much needed way towards meeting the mandates of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.  The added provisions include: the Climate and Community Protection Fund, modifications to the Cap & Invest proposal, the NY HEAT Act, the Climate Superfund Act and the accelerated timeline and other terms in the All-Electric Buildings Act.  Our support stems from our deep faith and calling to protect all life on this sacred planet and our understanding of the dire threat posed by the climate crisis to people across our state and, indeed, all across the planet.  We join with people of all faith heeding the same calling and know that we must act with urgency and purpose to meet this moment."

The WMOA Housing Committee said: “The members of the WMOA Housing Committee are grateful that our legislators heard our concerns and have proposed a solution focused on incentives to address New York’s housing crisis. A collaborative approach in which different levels of government work together is the best way to ensure meaningful outcomes. We stand ready to partner with the State as we address this important issue together.”

Yan Liu, President of Bridges from Borders, said: "We are grateful that the Assembly and Senate both included funding for the AAPI community in their One-House Budgets. The Asian community is growing fast Upstate, especially in Buffalo and Rochester, and State support can't come soon enough as we provide critical services to our newest neighbors. While our community has been persistently underfunded, the One-House Budgets make clear that we matter and this funding must be included in the final Budget."