NYS Budget

Over three weeks after the April 1st deadline, Governor Hochul and the NYS Legislature have finally reached an agreement on a $237 billion state budget package for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Highlights regarding areas of interest for the Catholic Conference include:

Catholic Schools

• Full funding to reimburse our schools for state-imposed administrative mandates;
• An additional $25 million for Health, Safety & Security needs of schools;
• A modest increase in reimbursement for STEM teachers’ salaries;
• A new program to begin reimbursing schools for salaries of Art & Music teachers; and
• An increase in funding for Academic Intervention Services for needy students.

Respect Life

• Unfortunately, the Reproductive Freedom and Equity Grant Program was passed, which will provide funding to New York abortion providers and non-profit organizations to increase access to abortion – Read our statement on the "Abortion Slush Fund" in the NYS Budget.
• New York will become the first state in the nation to offer paid leave for prenatal care;
• More funding and support for doula services.

Thank Lawmakers for Supporting Catholic Schools

The recently enacted state budget contained good news for Catholic school families, as our schools benefited from significant increases in funding under several programs. Please take a moment to send a message to Governor Hochul and your Senate and Assembly representatives to thank them for their support of Catholic schools in the budget.

Recent News on Assisted Suicide

As we continue to oppose the legalization of assisted suicide in New York, read about assisted suicide in the news:

• Our very own Kristen Curran, director of government relations, was interviewed on the Catholic Faith Network about the growing danger of physician assisted suicide in New York State. Watch the interview here
• The Good Newsroom – Cardinal Dolan: 'Physician Assisted Suicide Is Not a Good Answer'
• Pastoral Statement from Bishop John O. Barres of the Diocese of Rockville Centre – The Growing Danger of Physician-Assisted Suicide in New York State
• Syracuse.com OpEd – Why New York should oppose physician-assisted suicide (Guest Opinion by Dr. Paul Sansone)

Stop Assisted Suicide in NY

Proponents of doctor-assisted suicide are continuing to try to legalize this deadly practice in New York. There is a BIG push this year and we need your help.

Lawmakers need to hear from their constituents if we hope to avoid yet another assault on the dignity of human life. Assisted suicide is dangerous for patients, caregivers, and vulnerable populations such as the elderly and people with disabilities. Suicide is not medical care. Please tell your State Senate and Assembly representatives that you oppose this dangerous and deadly practice. Contact your state legislators now!

Capitol Compass

In episode 38, Gillian chats with Shannon Kelly, executive director of Catholic Charities for Orange, Sullivan and Ulster counties. They discuss the opioid epidemic and the different treatment and prevention programs offered by Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan and Ulster counties.

Learn more about Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan and Ulster: https://www.cccsos.org/

Listen wherever you get your podcasts or on our website, https://www.nyscatholic.org/capitol-compass-podcast/