State lawmakers examine child care access, cuts to preventive services

State lawmakers heard testimony from government officials, nonprofits and other organizations on the role of human services in Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s proposed budget yesterday. Topics discussed during the hearing included:

Preventive services cut: Several foster care providers and advocacy organizations opposed the proposed 5% cut in state funding to preventive services to counties keeping children out of the foster care system. “New York state’s commitment to state funding of preventive services that provide support to families has been far and away the best in the country,” said Kathleen Brady-Stepien, president and CEO of Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies. “And for that reason, it is deeply disappointing that there is a 5% proposed cut in this executive budget.”

Expanding child care access: The governor’s budget includes provisions to invest $40 million to cap child care co-pays so families no longer need to pay more than 20% of their income above the federal poverty level. But several legislators and organizations were interested in hearing recommendations from a report due from the state’s child care task force aimed at ensuring child care access across the state. The final report has been drafted, said Sheila Poole, commissioner of the state Office of Children and Family Services, and will be out “very soon,” though she did not specify a timeline.  

Continued contract withholdings: Nonprofit leaders emphasized that while they managed to avoid a permanent 20% cut in state contracts in the proposed budget, a 5% cut would still hurt their ability to provide services. “This is in one sense a relief, but it still remains contingent on federal assistance, and our agencies are hurting,” said Beatriz Diaz Taveras, executive director for Catholic Charities Community Services. Gabriela Andrade, policy and organizing strategist with the Human Services Council, said she had heard from organizations that have had to lengthen their waiting lists for people seeking mental health services as a result of the budget withholdings.

Investigating New York City’s oversight of Bronx Parent Housing Network: Michael Hein, commissioner of the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, said that the state was launching an investigation into how the New York City Department of Homeless Services handled sexual abuse accusations against Victor Rivera, Bronx Parent Housing Network’s former chief executive. The state Division of Human Rights has also received complaints about Rivera’s behavior, which had not been sent to city officials.