Governor’s Budget Features an Increase In Funding

We at OANA applaud the Governor’s Budget featuring an increase in funding for the DA’s office.

However, we would like to also see funding increased for our public defenders and law enforcement. The legal process, as in any system, is only as strong and efficient as its weakest link.

The Executive Budget proposal also includes:

• $52 million in aid to prosecution funding for all 62 district attorneys’ offices.
• $40 million to funding to support discovery reform implementation.
• $31.4 million for alternatives to incarceration programs.
• $20 million for pretrial services.
• $10 million to support stipends for volunteer firefighters who complete core training, providing a recruitment and retention incentive to those who serve their communities.
• $7 million for a new Anti-Fentanyl Innovation Grant.However, we would like to also see funding increased for our public defenders and law enforcement. The legal process, as in any system, is only as strong and efficient as its weakest link.

Please see our Op Ed on this subject: NYC Justice Reform op ed.