Human Services Council Calls on Gov. Hochul and Legislature to Put Surplus Toward 3.4% Targeted Inflationary Increase for All Programs
HSC: “The Money Is There. The Need Is There. The Excuses Are Gone.”
NEW YORK – The Human Services Council of New York (HSC) today called on Governor Hochul and the Legislature to direct a portion of the state’s massive, unexpected revenue surplus toward wage equity for New York’s 800,000 human services workers – the people who run shelters, staff food pantries, care for seniors, counsel families in crisis, support New Yorkers with disabilities, and keep children safe.
HSC’s call for a 3.4% targeted inflationary increase (TII) that covers every state-funded human services program follows a new report from State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli showing New York collected $7.3 billion more in taxes than projected through the first six months of the fiscal year, even as many of those workers earn wages that leave them reliant on the very services they provide.
According to the Comptroller’s October cash report, tax receipts reached $68.5 billion through September – up $8.6 billion over the same period last year – and the General Fund closed the month at $63.9 billion, nearly $10 billion above projections. The 3.4% adjustment would amount to roughly one-tenth of 1% of this year’s state budget. HSC is also calling on the state to extend the adjustment to every human services program, including those excluded for the past five years.
The following statement can be attributed to Michelle Jackson, Executive Director of the Human Services Council:
“For years, human services providers have been patient. We were understanding when Albany told us that money was tight. But the reality is clear: the state has systematically underpaid a workforce made up overwhelmingly of women of color. Now the state Comptroller says New York took in $7.3 billion more than expected in just six months, and the General Fund is sitting on $63.9 billion – nearly $10 billion above projections. The money is there. The need is there. The excuses are gone. We will not take a backseat while many of the 800,000 workers who care for New York’s children, seniors, and families in crisis are living in poverty themselves. A 3.4% adjustment for every program is the least the state can do for this workforce – it’s one-tenth of !% of the state budget. If the Governor and Legislature are serious about affordability, they must start with the workers that the state chronically underpays. We are not backing down.”
About Human Services Council
The Human Services Council of New York, a leading advocate for nonprofits providing human services, works to strengthen the ability of nonprofit agencies to maximize human potential in communities across New York. Nearly 200 nonprofit organizations throughout New York City and State are HSC members. Visit HSC at: www.HumanServicesCouncil.org