Pluses, minuses seen in budget

The New York State budget is in:

* after the inauguration of a new committee process to negotiate the budget,

* despite $1.6 billion in vetoes by Gov. George Pataki,

* following the discovery of an extra $500 million from state income tax returns, and

* amid speculation that a supplemental budget may be called for.

Mr. Kerry pointed out that while the Governor's cuts were drastic, they were cuts in a budget that still increases spending by approximately seven percent over last year.

He expects a supplemental budget to be created and urges constituents to "make their voices heard in this election year" to lawmakers in regard to programs they believe should receive funding.

The most drastic budget cuts included $500 million in school construction funds and $158 million in "pork" spending by the legislature. Still included in the budget are $711 million in tax cuts and a 7.75 percent boost in school aid, the largest such increase in state history.

In a letter to the Governor, Mr. Kerry highlighted several areas of concern to the Catholic Conference, which represents the bishops of the state in matters of public policy:

* Reduced funding for the Maternity and Early Childhood Foundation (MECF), which lost $970,000 to Gov. Pataki's vetoes. The MECF funds Catholic Charities and Birthright programs, among others, providing prenatal care outreach, and teaching parenting and child-rearing skills to young, single mothers.

Mr. Kerry told The Evangelist that the cuts were a "critical area of concern" since the Catholic Conference "strongly supports MECF as a responsible alternative to abortion." He added in his letter that "we cannot underestimate the magnitude of the harm that will occur if the state retreats from its support of poor and vulnerable mothers and their children."

* Reduced restorations for Medicaid to the tune of $130 million. While the Governor vetoed Medicaid relief for hospitals, nursing homes and home care providers, Mr. Kerry argued that "our Catholic healthcare facilities maintain a preferential option for the poor." The cuts, he wrote, would "maintain the economic constraints on the ability of our institutions and agencies to serve the poor."

* Cuts to child welfare initiatives totaling about $35 million that would have staffed child care facilities, trained caseworkers and kept children in their homes rather than in placement. The Catholic Conference "strongly supports [these] initiatives and seeks to have them restored," Mr. Kerry wrote.

* The veto of AIDS funding for "permanency planning" for children with the disease, an area Mr. Kerry called "unfortunately cut." He told the Governor: "The Catholic Church and its constituents in New York State are profoundly committed to the care of children orphaned by AIDS. Increased efforts are required to plan for these children's long-term care and placements with adoptive parents."

* A $9 million cut to funding for delinquency prevention programs. Mr. Kerry spoke of the "serious concerns we have with children" and wrote that without these funds, the resources of the Family and Children's Block Grant will face pressure to make up for the lack.

The director told The Evangelist that "the money is there" to make up for the cuts, particularly since lawmakers often underestimate revenues during an election year to be sure the budget doesn't come up short.

He hopes to see some funding replaced in a supplemental budget, but noted that "people should be very concerned" about budget cuts and should "convey their concerns to the Governor and legislators -- and be aware that the process does allow for some additional funding mechanisms."

Mr. Kerry wrote to Gov. Pataki: "We strongly urge you to work with the legislature to restore...funding for these vital services upon which so many depend."

(05-07-98) [[In-content Ad]]