Empire Justice Statement on Governor Cuomo’s State of the State Address
For Immediate Release
January 5, 2012
Contact: Cathy Roberts, (518) 462-6831
Kristin Brown Lilley, (518) 462-6831
Kirsten E. Keefe, (518) 462-6831
Barbara Weiner, (518) 462-6831
Rebecca Case-Grammatico, (585) 454-4060
Trilby de Jung, (585) 454-4060
Hunger:
The Governor’s words, “no child should go to bed hungry in New York,” brought tears to my eyes. It’s true, in this great state, we should work hard to ensure that our children, our elderly and those who are disabled do not go hungry,” said Cathy Roberts, Senior Paralegal in the Albany office of Empire Justice Center.
“It’s particularly gratifying to hear the Governor say that we need to stop fingerprinting for food. Just two weeks ago Empire Justice released “Time to Leave Finger Prints Behind,” which documents vast problems with the use of finger imaging in conjunction with the Food Stamp Program,” noted Kristin Brown Lilley, Director of Policy Advocacy for Empire Justice.
“We hope that the Governor will act quickly and issue an Executive Order calling for the practice to cease immediately,” they concluded.
Foreclosure:
“We were pleased that the Governor and Legislature included $1 million in the tax package passed December 7th to provide gap funding for the Foreclosure Prevention Services Program to continue functioning until the end of the state fiscal year,” said Rebecca Case-Grammatico, Senior Attorney in the Rochester office of Empire Justice. “We appreciate the Governor’s recognition of the program and look forward to seeing funding continue in the Executive Budget at the level we have requested.”
Kirsten Keefe, Senior Attorney in the Albany Office said, “The Governor’s commitment in his State of the State message to enforce New York’s strong consumer protection laws and solve the foreclosure crisis is very encouraging and exciting. His vision of utilizing the regulatory and enforcement authority of the Department of Financial Service to enhance the services currently provided by non-profit housing counseling and legal services providers through the statewide Foreclosure Prevention Services Program is really innovative. We look forward to working with the Governor and the new Foreclosure Relief Unit to develop a process which instills greater efficiency in the foreclosure process and results in more loan modifications for homeowners.“
New Americans:
Barbara Weiner, Senior Attorney in the Albany office noted that, “Through our representation of immigrants in our Long Island, White Plains and Albany offices, we know that providing the type of services outlined by Governor Cuomo for new Americans is absolutely critical. We are very pleased to see the Governor focusing time and state resources on this vulnerable population and are hopeful that those resources will include legal assistance for immigrants.”
Health Insurance Exchange:
“We agree 100% with the Governor’s call for passage of enabling legislation for the Health Insurance Exchange,” said Trilby de Jung, Senior Attorney in the Rochester office. “New York needs to continue the momentum that has already been generated through the Medicaid Reform Team process and internal planning,” she concluded.
