Albany, NY – Assemblymembers Nily Rozic (D-Fresh Meadows) and Daniel Rosenthal (D-Kew Gardens Hills) announced that this year’s state budget includes $4 million in funding for security improvements to protect against hate crimes and violence. This new state funding includes $25 million with expanded eligibility to allow religious institutions and organizations to qualify for the first time.

“As hate crimes continue to rise in New York, security improvements have become essential for many religious institutions. When synagogues become targets of violence, we need to ensure that our communities have the necessary security infrastructure to stay safe and secure,” said Assemblywoman Nily Rozic. “Expanding eligibility to allow religious institutions to apply will ensure that the vulnerable communities that most need protection have access to state funding.”

“In this budget, New York responded to the sad reality that hate crimes are seeing an unprecedented rise,” said Assemblymember Daniel Rosenthal. “We acted to ensure that our synagogues and religious institutions that have become targets of violence are given vital security resources. These new measures will go a long way in protecting our community from hatred.”

The funding included in the Capital Projects budget bill maintains the $40 million allocation from the 2019-2020 budget along with the new allocation that allows religious institutions to qualify. The lawmakers held a workshop in Queens earlier this year to help community leaders and institutions apply for the grant. There is not yet a Request for Applications (RFA) or a timeline for its release. Those interested in applying can reach out to Rozic’s office at rozicn@nyassembly.gov.