New York Reentry Cash Coalition Responds to FY26 Executive Budget Proposal
New York Reentry Cash Coalition Appreciates Governor Hochul’s Efforts to Invest in Reentry Services, and Advocates for More Direct Assistance to Individuals in Reentry
CEO Media Contact:
Claire Gross, Sr. Manager Public Relations
[email protected] | (646) 370-8292
New York, NY–February 5, 2025 – In response to Governor Hochul’s Fiscal Year 2026 Executive Budget, The New York Reentry Cash Coalition released the following statement:
“We appreciate Governor Hochul's attention to reentry services in the Executive Budget and for continuing to allocate $11.56 million to assist people returning from incarceration as they navigate reentry. However, we must do more. We urge the governor to implement evidence-based and meaningful reentry cash assistance to ensure people have a chance to survive and be successful in their reentry.
Returning individuals face a tough transition to the community. Often returning with few financial resources, individuals struggle to address their most critical day-to-day needs, such as food, clothing, housing, and expenses related to job searching such as transportation, internet, and cell phones. The Reentry Assistance Bill will significantly alleviate reentry challenges by providing $425 per month for up to six months.
The Reentry Assistance Bill would use only $25 million of the Department of Corrections and Community Services’ (DOCCS) $3.1 billion general fund– only 0.8% of DOCCS’s FY26 proposed General Fund. This amount is a drop in the bucket for DOCCS while also supported by a growing body of evidence that proves cash assistance can dramatically change lives, boost the state’s economy, and increase public safety.”
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The Reentry Assistance Bill is led by a coalition of justice-impacted individuals, reentry service providers, and allies. Powered by an evidence-based solution that includes meaningful financial support for people returning home, the bill ensures equal opportunity for justice-impacted people to become contributing and successful members of their communities.
