Yesterday, Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D-C Marcy) participated in a joint budget hearing on Human Services, including children and our veterans.  At the hearing, she questioned New York State Commissioners DeCohen, Quinn, and Miles-Gustave regarding the FY 24-25 Executive Budget.

“Our children are our future and youth gun violence is devastating their future,” said Assemblywoman Buttenschon.  Every child’s needs are different, and we must consider secure, safe, rehabilitative environments.  We also need to address if our state agencies are working together to provide holistic, not duplicative services.”

“In my district, I often hear from our veterans with children that they are not able to find affordable housing for their families. In addition to affordable housing, we need to ensure our veterans have access to well-paying jobs, education, and health care that will meet their needs," said Assemblywoman Buttenschon. "One of the best ways we can accomplish this is by providing funding and grants to non-profits and veterans organizations that help our heroes."

At the hearing, Assemblywoman Buttenschon questioned Commissioner DeCohen about whether she believes the Executive Budget provides enough funding to support veterans’ organizations and how much funding has been provided to those organizations. The Commissioner stated that the Department of Veterans’ Services does believe the budget provides enough funding.

In response to the Assemblywoman’s question regarding the funding allocated to the veterans organizations, the Commissioner shared that 39 organizations have been awarded a total of $2.6 million thus far of the allocated $25 million secured.

"Because of the sacrifices our veterans have made for our country, we have a moral obligation as legislators to ensure we are listening to their needs and advocating on their behalf,” said Buttenschon. “I want to thank Commissioner DeCohen for testifying to our committee yesterday, and I look forward to working with her to ensure the state budget meets the needs of our veterans.”