New York, NY—Today, Governor Hochul released her $260 billion Executive Budget proposal for Fiscal Year 27 included the following proposed allocations:
- $72.4 million for Office for New Americans (ONA) immigration legal services
- $50 million for the Housing Access Voucher Program
- $3 million for Census Planning Commission
- $2.6 million for the Office of Language Access
Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO, New York Immigration Coalition:
“Immigrant New Yorkers are already facing the dire consequences of federal attacks, from workplace raids to families being torn apart to the fear that stops people from going to the doctor’s office or going to the grocery store. Governor Hochul’s increased investment in legal services funding is a welcome and much needed step forward, but the urgency of this moment demands more to guarantee due process and access to representation for all New Yorkers. Albany must make a stronger commitment to immigrant New Yorkers by investing $175 million in legal services and passing the Access to Representation and BUILD Acts to guarantee the right to counsel to every New Yorker in immigration court and ensure the stability of our economy.
“For many New Yorkers, language access is the gateway to efficiently interact with government agencies, obtain essential services, and exercise their rights as New Yorkers. However, the proposed $2.6 million investment falls far short of the $10 million needed to ensure meaningful language access statewide.
“Essential programs like the Housing Access Voucher Program (HAVP) remain severely underfunded, making it harder for low-income families to access the affordable housing they need to build stable lives. Albany must commit $250 million in HAVP in this year’s budget to fulfill the state’s promise and keep families housed.
“While the $3 million investment in the Census planning process in this year’s budget is a start, New York must make robust investments in a statewide Civic Engagement Infrastructure Fund now, so that New York’s 2030 census is accurate and New York gets its fair share of federal resources and political representation.
“At a time of cruel federal attacks, New York can lead the nation as a welcoming state that protects all who call it home. Albany must pass the New York for All Act to protect immigrant New Yorkers and prevent state and local agencies from colluding with Trump’s deportation agenda.
“By taking action now, our elected officials can deliver an inclusive and equitable New York for all families who call this state home.”