Alliance Alert: We’re pleased to share this New York Now discussion of the final FY 2027 New York State Budget, which features interviews with Alliance for Rights and Recovery staff Harvey Rosenthal and Luke Sikinyi, along with fellow Daniel’s Law Coalition members Ruth Lowenkron of New York Lawyers for the Public Interest and Shay Herbert of the New York Civil Liberties Union. Together, they discuss the importance of Daniel’s Law, the progress made in this year’s budget, and the work that still lies ahead to transform crisis response across New York.
The Alliance is especially encouraged that the final budget includes an additional $8 million to expand Daniel’s Law-style, peer-led, non-police crisis response programs. This investment will allow more communities to begin building compassionate, health-led alternatives that ensure people experiencing mental health or substance use crises receive support from the right responders rather than law enforcement whenever possible.
While the Behavioral Health Crisis Technical Assistance Center (BHTAC) did not receive additional funding this year, we believe the funding secured in last year’s budget should allow the center to continue operating through the coming fiscal year. Looking ahead, we will continue working with the Legislature, Governor’s Office, and our partners in the Daniel’s Law Coalition to expand these crisis response programs to more communities across the state while securing sustainable, long-term funding for the BHTAC so it can continue providing the training, technical assistance, and infrastructure needed to support a truly statewide crisis response system.
Full Episode: NYS FY ’27 Budget Finalized
By Shantel Destra and Elise Kline | New York Now | May 29, 2026
New York state finally has a FY’27 Budget! New York state lawmakers spent the last week voting – and debating – the remaining budget bills for the governor’s signature. We dive into the elements of the budget bills with Rebecca Lewis, of City and State New York. State lawmakers and mental health advocates are trying to get Daniel’s Law passed before the end of the legislative session. This year’s state budget allocated funds for mental health priorities and a pilot program, we dive into the impact of the bill and the criticism.
See or listen to the Full Episode: NYS FY ’27 Budget Finalized <https://nynow.wmht.org/blogs/full-episodes/full-episode-nys-fy-27-budget-finalized/>