To the Editor:
As New York state prepares the budget for the coming year, it is time to focus on the care for the most vulnerable across New York state. Despite investments by Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Legislature, the human services sector is fragile. We have unmet service needs and growing waiting lists for mental health, housing and other behavioral health services.
Due to decades of lack of investment, the sector is in a remarkably fragile state, while providing lifesaving services to communities across New York. With over 800,000 human service workers across the state, many of whom are women and people of color, we need an investment that will be particularly impactful and alleviate the financial strain many have faced while working in the sector.
This inequitable system has forced a retention and hiring crisis, and the reality of staff earning lower wages and benefits equivalent to comparable positions in either government or the private sector; 22% of human services workers depended on SNAP benefits to make ends meet during 2021 and they made 30% less than what government employees earn for the same role.
Recognizing the need, we recommend a 7.8% investment in human services in the upcoming state budget. The investment will help to stabilize a vital sector for all New Yorkers.
These workers continue to serve their communities through times of crises while dealing with inflationary pressure and chronically underfunded government contracts. It is time for New York state to show up for them and their organizations by making a meaningful investment.
William Gettman, CEO
Northern Rivers Family of Services
Albany