Justice Equality in State Budget: The State provided local public defense programs with $50 million in funds for quality improvements—the first allocation in a 6-year phased in plan estimated to total $250 million. The funding resulted from a 2017 reform which ensured all counties receive state support equal to what the five counties received under the Hurrell-Harring v State of New York settlement. NYSDA's budget testimony, available here, discussed the expansion, stating, “By expanding to all counties the settlement conditions of the H-H lawsuit …, the State took a huge step in 2017 toward justice equality. NYSDA stands both eager and qualified to help counties, public defense programs and lawyers, and … ILS to comply with the training, data collection, and other requirements of last year’s legislation.”

Criminal Justice Reform: Unfortunately, the approved budget did not include any criminal justice reform provisions. Governor Andrew Cuomo had proposed legislation in his 2018-2019 Executive Budget following up on his 2018 State of the State address and press release to address cash bail, discovery and speedy trial. Post budget, many criminal justice and public defender groups are continuing to push for pretrial justice reform.

NYSDA 50th Anniversary Donations: In tribute to NYSDA’s former Executive Director, the Board of Directors created the Jonathan E. Gradess Peace & Justice Fund. You can honor Jonathan’s accomplishments and support NYSDA during our 50th Anniversary year by becoming a Justice Donor. Please support our innovative work at www.jegPeaceAndJusticeFund.org