New York, NY — Last night, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan, Senate Independent Democratic Conference Leader Jeffrey Klein, and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie announced a historic 2016-17 state budget agreement. The following is a statement from Ms. Jacquelyn Kilmer, Esq, CEO of Harlem United:
“While the ink on the 2016-17 New York state budget is drying and we are still analyzing the details, on behalf of the over 16,000 clients served by Harlem United I want to thank Governor Andrew Cuomo, Majority Leader Flanagan, IDC Leader Klein, and Speaker Heastie for the historic commitment to social and economic justice embodied by this budget.
“Since its founding in 1988, Harlem United has recognized that the roots of life-threatening health conditions and homelessness draw from the fetid waters of socioeconomic injustice. We must continue to ensure greater access to comprehensive health care and housing for those in need today. We must also address the overarching structural drivers that lead to health disparities among those with the least access to the economic prosperity and security necessary for long-term health and well-being.
“Through its focus on ending socioeconomic injustice in New York, this budget not only helps those who are already sick to heal, but also is the medicine we need to prevent people from becoming sick in the first place.”
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ABOUT HARLEM UNITED
Founded in 1988, Harlem United is a nationally recognized human services organization that provides full access to integrated health care and social services for individuals experiencing multiple and complex issues, including HIV and AIDS, social stigma, mental illness, chronic substance and alcohol use, homelessness, and extreme poverty — regardless of race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.
