Earlier this week, Governor Hochul outlined her FY2025 Executive Budget, which includes many investments in critical services and programs across the State. We are pleased to let you know that among them is a significant proposal that addresses the anticipated shortfalls in Federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding.
The Executive Budget includes $20 million in state funding to ensure that current victim assistance program contracts with the Office of Victim Services (OVS), which run through Sept. 30, 2025, are not adversely affected by expected VOCA shortfalls. Governor Hochul also included another $100 million in state funding annually for each year of our next competitive request for applications (RFA): This means that OVS will have funding to prevent, or at the very least mitigate, any future VOCA decreases that may occur. OVS will issue this RFA, which will fund victim services from Oct. 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2028, early next year.
As you know, OVS has been transparent with all of its funded programs about the status of VOCA funding, and staff have worked tirelessly with their colleagues in State government to ensure that the comprehensive network of victim assistance programs we currently fund across the State have the funding, training, and support to continue providing crucial services to anyone who needs them.
The allocation of this funding is a testament to Governor Hochul’s steadfast, unwavering support of victims and survivors, and further builds upon New York State’s long history of ensuring that anyone who has been victimized by a crime has access to the support, services, and financial help they need. We thank her for her commitment to the important work done by victim assistance professionals across the State.
As we continue to evaluate the details of the FY 2025 Executive Budget, and as budget negotiations progress over the next few months, OVS will continue to work with our partners to advocate for the rights and interests of victims of crime in New York State.
We thank you for your support and your continued work on behalf of victims of crime.
John Watson
Acting Director and Counsel
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Please contact your local legislators and ask them to support this critical funding!