The Voice of the Human Services Community

130 East 59th Street • New York, NY 10022 Tel: 212-836-1230 • Fax: 212-836-1837

www.humanservicescouncil.org

Advocacy Action Response Group

Co-Chairs

Gary Carter, Executive Director, Little Sisters of the Assumption Family Health Service

Christine Molnar, President and CEO, Safe Space NYC

Welcome &

Introductions

The Current Reality

Current Year – FY11

• State: Mid-year deficit is estimated somewhere between $315 million and $1 billion.

• City: November Mod is $585 million for FY11 and $1 billion for FY12.

Next Year – FY12

• Federal Stimulus is winding down and additional federal enhancements such as FMAP and TANF ECF will be difficult to obtain.

• Projected FY12 State Budget Gap: $9-10 billion – If the federal government implements tax cuts, the gap could be worse.

Fees and Taxes

• MTA Payroll Tax• Fire Inspection Fee Exemption

Eliminated• Vendex Fee• Decrease to Charitable

Contribution Deductions

HSC Campaign

Campaign Overview• Goal

– Raise awareness about the importance of human services– Secure funding for the sector

• Dual Strategy– Public Campaign– Policy Approach

Save Our

Services!!!

Public Campaign Message• The work of nonprofits is vital to the health of individuals, families, and communities.

• Any one of us may find ourselves in need of human services due to unexpected loss of a job, catastrophic illness, or natural or man-made disaster.

• Human services programs are cost-effective, producing a significant positive social and economic return on investment.

Public Campaign• Focus on Clients and Services• Declaration of Principles

– Get Individuals, Organizations, Elected Officials, Community Leaders to Sign-On

• Media Campaign– Mainstream Media– Social Media

Policy Approach Message• Government funding for human services programs

must be maintained.

• Full funding for human services providers' contracts.

• No cuts disguised as taxes and fees.

• Government needs to be more efficient.

Policy Approach• Legislative Strategy

– Effects of cuts on providers and clients– Return on investment of human services– Focus on policies/proposed cuts in FY12 budget

• Revenue Agenda• Efficiencies

– Late Payments– Standard contract– Reduced audits– Proactive Cuomo Strategy

Grassroots Component• Letter Writing Campaigns• Call-In Days• Lobby Days• Bring Clients to Meet with Legislators• Public Activities

Role of the AARG• Timely Communication About Activities

• Respond to Requests for Information

• AARG Participation Form

• Follow HSC on Twitter/Facebook

• Coordinate Your Public Message With Us