CONTACT: Mariah McGough, mariah@vocal-ny.org

GOV. HOCHUL FAILS VULNERABLE NEW YORKERS: FIFTH STRAIGHT LATE BUDGET LEAVES NYERS TO FACE HOMELESSNESS, HUNGER, AND DEATH 

New York’s Legislature Must Use the Last Four Session Days to Deliver Legislation for Low-Income and Homeless New Yorkers 

Governor Failed to Address New York’s Homelessness Crisis, Refusing to Increase Funding for the Housing Access Voucher Program  

NEW YORK — Today, in response to the passage of the final bill in the 58 day-late New York State FY27 budget, and with only four remaining legislative session days left, VOCAL-NY released the following statement, attributable to Kim Smith, VOCAL-NY Political Director:

“Hochul bullied the legislature into getting the budget that she wanted, in the most undemocratic process in recent memory. And once again we are left to wonder if we are actually part of Kathy Hochul’s New York.

It could have been different. Governor Hochul had a moment to be a leader – especially with democratic majorities, impending devastation from SNAP and healthcare cuts, and an ongoing crisis of homelessness. Instead, she chose to burn out the clock on one of the only defenses we have against the cruelty of the federal administration. She cowered, and chose to protect the pocketbooks of the wealthiest at the expense of the rest of us.

The budget did little to address the needs of the most vulnerable New Yorkers. Instead of addressing the statewide homelessness crisis with immediate solutions like expanding the Housing Access Voucher Pilot Program or the HIV Emergency Shelter Allowance, the Governor did nothing. She chose inaction from the State while interfering with CityFHEPS at the City level, and neglected to provide security to those facing the impending loss of federal emergency housing vouchers. When Hochul could have taxed the rich to fund the services and care New Yorkers need, she did the bare minimum with her second-home tax, helping only New York City. 

It’s not too late for the legislature to rectify these harms. In the last four days of the legislative session, the Senate and Assembly must flex their power and pass bills that will save lives.”

BACKGROUND: 

VOCAL-NY ratified and released its platform, “Meeting the Moment: Federal Cuts & Colliding Crises” in late 2025. The platform focuses on protecting and implementing proven solutions, raising revenue to stabilize the safety net, and creating pathways to release & stability. 

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