Human Services Wage and Education Funding Increases in FY23 NYC Budget
Good Shepherd Services Applauds Mayor Adams and City Council for
Human Services Wage Increases and Education Funding
Funding includes $60M in wage increases for Human Services workers, $30M to
expand Fair Futures, and $14M in Community Schools Funding
New York, NY – Friday, Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, and members of the New York City Council announced an agreement that would increase wages for Human Services workers, expand funding for Fair Futures, and Community Schools.
The administration and council’s agreement includes $60 million to provide a cost of living adjustment to the city’s human services workers, who have played a vital role in maintaining the city’s human services sectors throughout the course of the pandemic. The budget also includes a total of $14 million to restore funding to 52 community schools that were set to experience cuts as well as funds to expand Community Schools in New York City.
Fair Futures helps provide coaches, tutors, and specialists to support foster care youth. Under the budget agreement, the city will allocate $30.7 million dollars in funding to expand the program for youth up to the age of 26 and establish a center for fair futures and fund juvenile justice.
In response Michelle Yanche, Executive Director and CEO of Good Shepherd Services, released the following statement:
“We commend Mayor Adams and the City Council for equitably funding human services and education priorities in next year’s New York City Budget. This budget represents yet another round of historic investment to enrich the lives of Human Services workers, young people, and communities that need it most by Mayor Adams and the City Council. By including a cost of living adjustment for human services workers, the Mayor and Council are sending a strong message that they appreciate the hard work we have done on the frontline to maintain city services throughout the pandemic.
“The City’s expansion of Fair Futures, for foster youth ages 26 and younger will allow our most vulnerable youth to have access to dedicated coaches, tutors, education, employment, and housing specialists they need to build a solid foundation as they launch into their next journey in life.”
“For months our team has advocated for restoration of funding for community schools and we are pleased that City leaders have not only restored funding but have included funding to expand funding for community schools. These schools serve as a safe place for students and families to access health care, housing assistance, academic support, counseling, and other crucial services. The expansion of the community schools program will have a positive impact on the lives of countless New Yorkers, we look forward to continuing our dialogue with city leaders to ensure that Community Schools are funded permanently.”
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