Empire Justice Center Testimony Available on the Web

March 17, 2011

Human Services in the 2011-12 Executive Budget Proposal

As New York continues to grapple with the aftermath of the recession, it is essential that we do not forget that there are many among us that are still in its epicenter.  There continues to be little evidence that prospects are improving for low income and low skilled New Yorkers. Indeed, most signs tell us just the opposite.  Unemployment in New York remains high, averaging 810,000 in 2010, 90% higher than in 2007.  The recession drove New York’s poverty rate up to 15.8% in 2009 with pockets of much higher poverty in many area of the state.  Since the recession began, the number of New Yorkers receiving Food Stamps has grown by 60% - an increase of over one million people, all living at or near the poverty level.  Safety net needs have continued to rise as recession-induced adversity has mounted.  For those lucky enough to have a job, work supports such as child care subsidies remain absolutely crucial. For many, access to government benefits is a lifeline.  Read More

Ensure Funding for Legal Services in New York

There are now 2.3 million New York residents who come before our courts each year without a lawyer – and 70% of all civil matters that come before our courts involve family law, consumer credit, and housing-related cases.

• 99% of tenants in New York City and 98% of those outside New York City are unrepresented in eviction proceedings;
• 97% of parents are unrepresented in child support proceedings in New York City; 95% of parents in child support proceedings throughout the rest of the state face these proceedings without representation; and
• 99% of consumers facing credit problems and debt collection cases are unrepresented in New York City.  Read More

Medicaid Redesign Proposals

We support reform ideas that will not only save the state money, but also improve the experience and health of Medicaid consumers.

Read More on policy recommendation for the Medicaid Redesign Team. 

Read More analysis of six proposals posted on the Medicaid Redesign website.