NEW YORK – January 18, 2024 – In response to the New York City Fiscal Year 2025 Preliminary Budget Proposal, UNH Executive Director Susan Stamler commented:
“Mayor Adams’ FY25 Preliminary Budget provides more accurate calculations for revenue and expenses and includes reversals for some of his previously announced PEGs. United Neighborhood Houses (UNH) remains perplexed, however, that the administration continues to propose nearly $200 million in cuts for early childhood education, afterschool and summer programs, and older adult centers. This moment calls for continued investment in our communities, especially in our children and older adults.
“How can the mayor slash $170 million from early childhood education programs citing underutilization when we know that families are desperate for affordable childcare solutions? Is there an analysis of the supply and demand for services? Has the NYC Department of Education done everything in their power to ensure that early childhood education programs meet the needs of working families?
“Our city dollars are too precious to waste on bad management and bureaucracy. Community organizations know all too well that their families are struggling to find affordable child care programs. Parents want after-school and summer programs that provide enrichment opportunities for their children. And older adults long to meet their friends at their local senior center. These are indeed difficult economic times, and we need leaders to effectively manage programs and services that keep our neighborhoods strong.
“UNH urges the administration to carefully assess community needs and service availability to ensure that we maintain capacity and improve service delivery for all New Yorkers. We look forward to working with the administration to ensure the adopted FY25 budget meets the needs of our neighborhoods.”
About United Neighborhood Houses
United Neighborhood Houses (UNH) is a policy and social change organization representing neighborhood settlement houses that reach 770,000 New Yorkers from all walks of life. A progressive leader for more than 100 years, UNH is stewarding a new era for New York’s settlement house movement. We mobilize our members and their communities to advocate for good public policies and promote strong organizations and practices that keep neighborhoods resilient and thriving for all New Yorkers. UNH leads advocacy and partners with our members on a broad range of issues including civic and community engagement, neighborhood affordability, healthy aging, early childhood education, adult literacy, and youth development. We also provide customized professional development and peer learning to build the skills and leadership capabilities of settlement house staff at all levels. For more information, visit http://www.unhny.org/.
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