LAC Testifying in Albany on Criminal Justice Budget Today

LAC State Policy Director Tracie M. Gardner is in Albany today, testifying before the Joint Public Hearing on Public Protection. As a leader in the NY ATI/Reentry Coalition, LAC is presenting the coalition's recommendations on the criminal justice portion of Governor Cuomo's budget proposal.

See live video of the hearing here.

The coalition applauds Governor Cuomo and the Legislature for continuing funding for alternatives to incarceration and reentry programs last year, as well as closing excess prison capacity. As Ms. Gardner will testify today, we urge the Legislature to take the following steps:

• Maintain funding for alternative to incarceration and reentry programs during the fourth quarter of FY 2013 when federal stimulus (ARRA) money ends.
• Establish and institutionalize new state funding stream(s) for ATI and reentry programs to replace ARRA money, for the long term.
• Add $5 million to encourage innovation and expand services for emerging and underserved client and community needs.
• Support the governor's proposal to reform the juvenile justice system by closing State facilities and providing placements and services to youth in New York City.
• Support the governor's proposal to enroll in Medicaid all eligible individuals incarcerated in New York State facilities.

Please see the coalition's position paper for its full recommendations. We will continue to update you as we press for the best criminal justice policies for our state in the coming weeks.