State must put more into human services

In 1938, the people of New York state approved an amendment to the state constitution.

It reads: “The aid, care and support of the needy are public concerns and shall be provided by the state and by such of its subdivisions, and in such manner and by such means, as the Legislature may from time to time determine.”

As New York prepares the budget for the coming year, it is time to focus on those that care for the needy across the state.

Despite investments by Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Legislature, the human services sector is fragile. We have unmet service needs and growing waiting lists for mental health, housing and other behavioral health services.

With over 800,000 human service workers across the state, providing valuable safety net services, many of whom are women and people of color, we need an investment that will be particularly impactful and alleviate the financial strain many have faced while working in the sector.

This inequitable system has forced nonprofits to operate with significantly........

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