by Naomi Post, Executive Director
The Children’s Defense Fund-New York appreciates the new proposed investments the Governor has included in his budget to support young people and their communities. However, we also understand that there is much more to be done this year to ensure equitable life chances for the children of New York most impacted by issues of youth justice, education, health, poverty and immigration and we are more committed than ever to the work ahead. We look forward to visiting elected officials with young people so that they can talk about the issues that are important to them.
Gary Edwards, a high school senior in Brooklyn, has already testified in front of the New York City Council and shares his thoughts for Governor Cuomo. “Thank you Governor Cuomo for proposing $3 million for positive discipline. and investing in schools that need the most help. With those resources everything can change for students directly impacted by school suspensions. I ask that you now support and pass the Safe and Supportive Schools Bill, which acknowledges that suspensions and harsh discipline and even incarceration are so unnecessary and there are better ways to resolve problems in school. With this bill, there would be permanent changes not just in our schools but in our communities and in our children’s life chances.”
Visit our website to learn more about our CDF-NY Response to the Governor’s FY 2020 Executive Budget.
Naomi Post
Executive Director