NYS Budget Benefits LGBT Health and Human Services

Members of the New York State LGBT Health and Human Services Network (the Network) will receive almost $8 million from the 2008-2009 New York State Budget, which was passed yesterday. Governor Paterson’s Executive Budget provides $5.89 million and the Assembly provided $2.084 million from its discretionary funding.

The Assembly increased its base level of support from $1.373 million in past years to $2.084 million. It’s significant to note that in an uncertain fiscal climate, the Governor and Assembly still recognize the important work that community-based organizations do to ensure that LGBT New Yorkers’ health and human services needs are met.

Most of the funding will go directly to Network member organizations, which provide services to more than 600,000 New Yorkers in 54 of the state’s 62 counties.

Services that Network members provide include: primary and preventative care; mental health treatment; alcohol and substance abuse treatment; homeless youth services; violence prevention and crime victim assistance; and other critical human services. The LGBT population reached by the Network is also diverse and includes traditionally marginalized groups within the LGBT community including seniors, people of color, youth, low income individuals, and crime victims.