The New York State Black legislative task force is pushing for $90 million in grants to support nonprofits serving underserved communities. This comes as state leaders continue closed-door negotiations over the upcoming budget.
Black legislative task force says listening tour shaped funding
The New York task force’s demand marks a significant increase from last year, when the group sought $50 million and secured $30 million. Following that allocation, members embarked on a statewide listening tour to inform how the funds should be distributed.
“We’ve hit all the places to listen to the people tell us what is absolutely necessary and needed in their communities. We listened, we learned, then we created our application process,” said Assemblymember Chantel Jackson, a Bronx Democrat who chairs the task force.
Nonprofit leaders argue that the current funding level falls far short of meeting the scale of need across the state. They said the challenges they face remain the same mental and physical health, and substance abuse.
Additionally, the challenges include housing instability, economic inequities, and poverty. Phil Nelson, founder and executive director of The Stack Project, said these challenges are magnified in the upstate region.
Lawmakers eye April 1 deadline
Task force members said the state’s Division of Budget is now conducting final vetting before distributing last year’s $30 million allocation to nonprofits. Four agencies serve as fiscal conduits for those dollars.
This includes Elmcor Youth & Adult Activities, United Way of New York State, and the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies. This also includes the New York Urban League, and a fifth conduit, LISC NY, has been added this year.
Jackson said both the Assembly and the Senate have included the full $90 million request in their respective budget proposals.
Meanwhile, Lawmakers and Governor Kathy Hochul are working to reach a final budget agreement before the April 1 deadline.
In a recent development, New York state has proposed regulations to ensure homeless families in hotels receive the same social services as those in shelters. The rules aim to provide support, including housing assistance, meals, and child care, to families outside New York City.