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Joint subcommittee outlines public safety budget priorities, flags firefighter grant concern
Summary
Co-chairs of the joint budget subcommittee listed priorities including subway and commuter hub security, community violence intervention programs, gun violence prevention, parental representation and alternatives to incarceration; a member cautioned volunteer firefighter grants may disadvantage poorer communities if applicants must pay upfront.
State legislators on the joint budget subcommittee on public protection presented a multiyear list of budget priorities that they said they will pursue in conference with the executive branch, covering security, violence prevention and support for legal services.
State Senator Zellnor Myrie, co-chair of the subcommittee, read the agencies under review and a set of priorities that the subcommittee said it will seek funding for: "enhancing security in the subways and the commuter hubs, supporting community violence intervention programs, funding crisis centers, and expanding resources for gun violence prevention, parental representation, and defense services." Myrie also listed alternatives to incarceration, residential stabilization for formerly incarcerated individuals, capital improvements for volunteer fire departments, and loan forgiveness proposals for prosecutors and defense attorneys.
Myrie said the subcommittee is also interested in policy initiatives including the Challenging Wrongful Convictions Act, establishing an Office of Gun Violence Prevention within the Division of Criminal Justice Services, and expanding statewide supervision visitation programs.
During the discussion, subcommittee member Palmisano voiced support for a volunteer firefighter grant program but cautioned about program language. "I will caution my colleagues here to look at the language because it says that you have to pay up front. That might make it more difficult for rural, poorer communities to do that, especially on a first come serve, first serve basis," Palmisano said. The subcommittee discussed ensuring language does not disadvantage smaller or resource-poor departments.
Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz opened the meeting and emphasized collaboration with the Senate and the executive branch to secure funding for public safety priorities. Co-chairs said staff and members will continue to consult on language and funding levels as they work toward a conference agreement.
