PETITION CLOSED

  • The time period for signing this petition has ended.
Don't balance the budget on the backs of children.
  1. Signatures
    538 out of 1,000
    Petitioning
    1. The Governor of NY (+ 8 others)
      Petitioning
      close
      • The Governor of NY
      • Gov. Andrew Cuomo (NY)
      • Senator Thomas O'Mara
      • Senator James Seward
      • Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton
      • Senator Diane Savino
      • Assemblywoman Amy Paulin
      • Dean Skelos
      • Sheldon Silver
  2. Created By
    Molly Bargar
    Ithaca, NY
About this Petition Petition Letter Petition Updates

Tell legislators you care about children! Governor Cuomo's proposed 2011-2012 budget includes large cuts to youth services and will effectively dismantle the youth bureau system.  Action is needed now! Impacts from these cuts could be seen as early as July 1 2011. 

Cuomo is proposing a block grant system which would cut funds to youth services across the state by 50%. The remaining 50% will then be given out competitively.  However, only cities and counties with populations over 1 million will be eligible to apply, thereby leaving out Tompkins County.

The effects of this proposal will be devastating to programs across Tompkins County, which have proven positive impacts on the lives of children.  Programs effected include: Cornell Cooperative Extension ' s Rural Youth Services, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tompkins County, Teen Pregnancy Parenting Program, BRIDGES for Runaway and Homeless Youth, Youth Employment Service and others.

Please tell legislators that this is not acceptable!

 

Why People Are Signing
Recent Signatures

Don't balance the budget on the backs of children.

Greetings,

We are writing to express our concern regarding Governor Cuomo's proposed Primary Prevention Incentive Program (PPIP.) This new block grant system has the potential to dismantle New York State's highly effective Youth Bureau system.

This proposed block grant will be neither effective nor will it make fiscal sense. Evidence shows that it is more cost effective to put money into youth services which yield positive growth and outcomes than the annual cost of $210,000 to incarcerate a young person. On the benefits of investing in cost-effective programs to avoid costly residential placement, State Controller Thomas DiNapoli said, "Instead of waiting until a child becomes a delinquent, New Yorkers will be best served by addressing problems at the start."

The block grant system is a short sighted solution to a long term problem. Children are an investment, and our tax dollars are better spent on positive youth development programs which shape our future leaders.

In this troubling economic climate, PIPP may be penny wise, but it is certainly pound foolish.

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

[Your name]

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