Alliance Alert: The NYS Legislature and Governor are nearing a final agreement on the next year’s budget, with voting expected to begin in the next few days. With a short amount of time left, the decisions being made right now will determine whether New York takes meaningful steps toward building a safer, more effective crisis response system. This is a critical moment, and we must act to ensure that $15 million for Daniel’s Law initiatives is included in the final budget.
Despite strong evidence and growing support, this funding has not been included in the Governor or Assembly budget proposals. The Senate has recognized its importance and included it, but now it is up to final negotiations to determine whether this investment becomes a reality.
We cannot afford to miss this opportunity.
Too often, people experiencing mental health and substance use crises are met with a law enforcement response that is not equipped to provide the support they need. The consequences are tragic and well documented. These crises require a health-led response rooted in de-escalation, connection, and support, not force.
Daniel’s Law provides a clear, evidence-based path forward. By prioritizing responses led by peers and EMTs, and sustaining the statewide Behavioral Health Crisis Technical Assistance Center to guide implementation and accountability, New York can begin to build a system that treats mental health and substance use as public health issues, not public safety issues.
With budget negotiations wrapping up this week, we must ensure this funding is not left behind.
We are calling on advocates, providers, and community members to take action by contacting the Governor and legislative leaders and urging them to include $15 million for Daniel’s Law crisis response programs in the final FY27 budget and to co-sponsor the legislation.
This is about saving lives, protecting rights, and building a system that works for everyone.
Now is the time to speak up and make sure Daniel’s Law is part of the final budget.
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
We’re writing to ask you to take immediate action to protect the rights of New Yorkers with mental health / substance use conditions.
Our Coalition is asking you to support Daniel’s Law (S.3670 / A.4617) – a bill designed to transform the way New York responds to mental health and substance use crises, by replacing a police response with a healthcare response. Learn more by clicking here.
We need your help!
By clicking here, you will be able to ask state legislators to co-sponsor the bill and to include the $15 million Daniel’s Law crisis response programs in the FY ’27 budget – and it will take you less than two minutes!
Thank you and please forward this email to all your colleagues and friends!
In solidarity,
Ruth Lowenkron, Disability Justice Director at NYLPI