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NYS Assembly Releases $1.28 Million for LGBT Services
Albany, New York, August 9, 2004 – Today, the Assembly released $1.28 million in funding to thirty-eight organizations across New York State that are members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health and Human Services Network (Network). With the allocation of $1.0 million from the ’03-’04 Executive Budget, this makes for a total of $2.28 appropriated to the Network from the ’03-’04 budget cycle.
In a May 7, 2003 press release, the Pride Agenda announced that the Assembly had provided $700,000 to the Network from the ’03-’04 budget. Today’s $1.28 million released to Network members includes this $700,000 plus an additional $583,232 provided by Assembly Speaker Silver. This release of funds signals the continuation of the Assembly Majority’s leadership role in funding the Network.
"We praise Speaker Silver, Assemblymembers Deborah Glick, Daniel O’Donnell and Richard Gottfried and the other members of the Assembly Majority for continuing their strong support for the Network and for LGBT New Yorkers that will benefit from this funding," said Carmen Vazquez, Deputy Executive Director of Empire State Pride Agenda. "We are elated that the Speaker and the Democratic Majority are such steadfast friends of LGBT New Yorkers and care about the longstanding health and social welfare needs of our community that are so often overlooked by mainstream service providers."
"The Network provides basic and essential services across the state to LGBT youth, seniors, people of color and those with and without insurance," said Nora Yates, Coalitions Coordinator for the Pride Agenda. "This work would not be possible without government support of the Network."
The Network is unique in the nation. While a handful of other states fund LGBT-specific programs, New York is the only one to have a network of organizations from all corners of the state working together and a funding stream from the state available to help it meet the health and human service needs of the LGBT community.
Marvin L. Henchbarger, Executive Director of Gay & Lesbian Youth Services of Western New York (GLYS) said about today’s release of funds, "Issues for LGBT youth in Buffalo and our neighboring counties are typically swept under the rug. Our youth are in danger of abuse and harassment and lack affirmation from a homophobic world. These dollars will help us reach out to LGBT youth in the suburbs and rural areas surrounding Buffalo where they are most at risk and most isolated. We are most grateful for the support."
Yvette Christofilis, Executive Director of Lesbian & Gay Community Services Center in White Plains said, "LGBT people in suburban areas are much less visible than LGBT people in urban communities. This makes it extremely difficult to raise funds for the services we offer in substance abuse counseling, HIV prevention and suicide prevention. The funds are a literal lifeline for LGBT people in Westchester County and we deeply appreciate the Speaker and Democratic majority for their support."
Miriam Yeung, Director of Public Policy & Government Relations for the LGBT Community Center in New York City said, "We are thrilled to know these funds are being made available to us. It helps us keep the buildingfor the more than 6,000 people who walk through our doors each week in desperate need of mental health and substance abuse counseling, LGBT youth services and the many other programs we offer our community in the five boroughs of New York City."
Total state funding for the Network from the current ’04-’05 budget cycle will not be known until the Legislature completes work on the budget. The Executive Budget announced this past January already includes $1.0 million in funding.
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