GOP Senators Blast Hochul Victim Funding Cuts

New York Senate Republicans are calling on Gov. Kathy Hochul to restore funding for rape crisis centers, domestic violence centers and child advocacy centers, warning that reductions threaten services for some of the state’s most vulnerable residents.

Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt, joined by Republican senators in an Aug. 21 letter to Hochul, criticized the cuts in light of New York’s $277 billion state budget. “I find it hard to believe that in a budget of that size, we must cut millions of dollars to services aimed at helping women and children through one of the most difficult times of their lives,” Ortt said. He called on Hochul to “restore full funding to every one of these vital centers across New York State.”

Sen. Dean Murray echoed Ortt’s criticism.

“It is unacceptable that NYS could not find the funding to fully staff and operate rape crisis, domestic violence & child advocacy centers,” Murray said. “Our priorities are out of balance & something needs to change. Survivors deserve support, compassion & access to critical services!”

According to the senators’ letter, 36 of the state’s 48 child advocacy centers applied for funding, with six receiving nothing and 21 facing substantial reductions. Of 42 rape crisis centers responding to an Alliance Against Sexual Assault survey, 30 reported losing funding and 29 said cuts would force staff reductions.

Sen. Tom O’Mara called the situation “unthinkable,” saying Child Advocacy Centers are “absolute lifelines for child crime victims and families.” He argued the problem is “not a matter of a lack of money. It’s a matter of lack of priorities.”

Sen. Pam Helming said she initially thought “there had to be a mistake” when she learned six centers would receive no funding. “Protecting abused children should not be where the state comes up short,” Helming said.

Sen. George Borrello called rape crisis, domestic violence and child advocacy centers “lifelines” for survivors and said it is “unacceptable” that the state could not fully fund them.

The letter was also signed by Sens. Joseph Griffo, Rob Rolison, Jake Ashby, Daniel Stec and Steve Chan. The senators urged Hochul to replace the competitive procurement system with a stable, predictable funding stream for victim services.