This year, we invite you to join us back at the Capitol for the 2023 Budget Advocacy Day at the Capitol in Albany on Tuesday, February 14. As you may know, Governor Hochul proposed several initiatives that could impact domestic violence survivors and their families. Top of the list is a proposal to revamp the State’s Domestic Violence Model Policy, which was initially drafted in 1998, and a commitment to update corresponding policies for providing social services and screening potential survivors. NYSCADV is hopeful that more information about this, and other DV-related measures, will be contained in the Governor’s Executive Budget, which should be issued by the end of the month.

It’s critical that we advocate for initiatives that will truly help DV survivors and their families, without causing unintended consequences. This year’s in-person activities present the perfect opportunity to meet with legislators to communicate our NYS budget priorities, the impact of funding cuts on DV services, and the challenges in recruiting and retaining staff. For those planning to meet with legislators, either in person in Albany or remotely, we recommend contacting legislators’ offices now to begin scheduling appointments. If you have a question on scheduling meetings with legislators, please reach out to Brittni Gulotty, Public Policy Coordinator, by e-mail at bgulotty@nyscadv.org or by phone at 518-764-2541. For those unable to participate in meetings, we will be developing a social media toolkit which will enable advocates to support the day’s events on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other platforms. Once available, please share these materials widely.

To ensure our budget advocacy messages are heard by as many legislators as possible, NYSCADV also will be sponsoring a webinar for legislators and legislative staff on Thursday February 16, 2:30-3:30pm. This webinar will focus on the needs of DV survivors, current cuts to funding along with impacts of these cuts, budget priorities, and a response to proposals in the Governor’s State of the State and Executive Budget. All DV advocates are invited to attend. A recording will be shared with DV programs after the event.