Dear John,
Correction to Last Week’s Newsletter: Before we dive into this week’s update, a quick correction: Ray Gish, who sadly passed away on October 31, 2024, and is deeply missed, was the owner of Commonwealth Bar, not The Commissioner. We sincerely regret and apologize for this mix-up! Now, let’s get into it.
Under Mayor Eric Adams’ administration, New York City is grappling with two interconnected crises: a leadership crisis and a crisis in care. His austerity budgets, record-long waitlists for essential services, and misplaced priorities have exacerbated the city’s mental health crisis, which plays out daily in our streets and our subways.
The true crisis goes beyond what we see. It’s the systemic failures that force our neighbors to navigate a broken system that fails to meet their needs. Families, caregivers, and everyday New Yorkers feel the weight of this failure, as they are left without reliable systems to turn to in moments of crisis. At its core, this is a crisis of misplaced priorities—an administration that has refused to invest in proven, evidence-based solutions right in front of us.
That’s why, last week, the Progressive Caucus—which I proudly co-chair—launched our Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Budget Priorities: Crisis to Care. This $61 million campaign aims to strengthen New York City’s care infrastructure and ensure that frontline workers have the dignified conditions and resources they need. This plan was developed in collaboration with advocates, community-based providers, and crisis responders, building on programs that have shown incredible success and following best medical practices.
Here are some of the key elements of our plan:
(1) $55.1M to Build Up Our Mental Health Network
Eliminate waitlists for critical services, including Intensive Mobile Treatment (IMT) teams and the Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) teams.
Expand the Home+ Program, which I authored under Local Law 45 of 2023. This program provides micro-grants to survivors of domestic violence to change their door and window locks so they can stay in their homes. Domestic violence is the second-largest driver of homelessness in NYC, and this program helps survivors stay housed by covering essential security measures.
Support Justice-Involved Supportive Housing (JISH) for chronically homeless individuals with behavioral health needs who have been through the criminal justice system.
(2) $5.5M to Deliver a More Holistic Crisis Response & Support Frontline Workers
Fund peer specialists to staff the city’s multi-agency mental health and crisis response teams.
Create a pilot Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Wellness and Peer Support Program, including a crisis hotline, dedicated social workers, EMS peer support staff, and monthly debriefing and support groups.
(3)Action Items to Improve the Conditions of Frontline Workers
Create a monthly Crisis Response Roundtable to assess the current state of the city’s mental health crisis response systems.
Support UAW Local 2325’s pay and benefit contract demands, including a $70,000 living wage floor for all legal service workers and funding a minimum annual cost of living adjustment (COLA) of 4.5%.
Last month, after Mayor Adams announced his Preliminary FY26 Budget, he said, “There is no price that you can put on safety.” If safety is his priority, our plan offers a roadmap to achieve it—at a fraction of the overall budget. True safety comes from investing in care—providing the support and services that people need to stay healthy, stable, and out of crisis. When we focus on meeting people’s needs through mental health services, housing, and resources, we build safer communities for everyone.
Visit the Progressive Caucus’ website to learn more about the Crisis to Care plan or to show your support. I’m excited to continue advocating for these critical investments alongside the Progressive Caucus as we work to reflect our values in this year’s budget and transition from crisis to care, creating a stronger and healthier city for all New Yorkers.
