Statement on Human Services COLA

Published on March 13th, 2019

Catholic Charities and other human services sector employees are a critical link in the social safety net.
(Photo courtesy Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany)

The New York State Catholic Conference and the Council of Catholic Charities Directors are grateful that the New York State Senate and Assembly both included in their one-house budget resolutions a 2.9 percent cost of living adjustment (COLA) for the state’s human services sector.

“Catholic Charities and the state’s other human services providers are an irreplaceable part of the state’s safety net for vulnerable individuals and families. The funding of the human services COLA in the legislature’s one-house budgets recognizes this fact,” said Michael Lawler, director of Catholic Charities for the Catholic Conference. “We’re grateful to the Senate and Assembly for acknowledging this economic justice issue, and we urge that the COLA be included in the final negotiated budget.”

The Senate and Assembly resolutions represents a departure from the Executive Budget proposal submitted by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, which recommended deferring the COLA, as has occurred in eight of the last 10 years.

The Catholic Conference represents the Bishops of New York State in public policy matters.