Addressing Homelessness, Suicide and Nutrition in Governor Cuomo’s State of the State 2020 Agenda
Released January 8, 2020
In 10th State of the State Address, Governor Advances Bold Agenda to Continue New York’s Role as Progressive Capital of the Nation
Governor’s Agenda Continues Record of Fiscal Responsibility While Investing in 21st Century Infrastructure, Cutting Middle Class and Small Business Taxes, Providing Educational Opportunity to All, Growing New York’s Green Economy & Advancing Equal Rights Protections
Proposals Include Domestic Terrorism Law; ‘Restore Mother Nature’ Bond Act; Legalizing Cannabis; Expanded Excelsior Free College Tuition; Paid Sick Leave & Fighting Child Poverty; Achieving 100% Statewide Cell Phone Service; Protecting Gig Economy Workers; Addressing Veteran Homelessness & Suicides; ‘Nothing to Hide’ Tax Returns Disclosure; Empire Station Complex; and Reimagining the Erie Canal.
Amongst the numerous subjects covered:
Concerning Suicides and Homelessness amongst Veterans and Law Enforcement / First Responder members:
Addressing Veteran and Law Enforcement Suicides and Homelessness: The Governor will invest $1 million to partner with organizations to help veterans, law enforcement and first responders with suicide prevention efforts. The Governor will also direct state agencies to expand suicide prevention strategies for veterans, law enforcement, correctional officers and first responders, including a new campaign by the Office of Mental Health to reduce the stigma of mental illness. Additionally, the State will convene a panel of stakeholders and experts at its annual Suicide Prevention Conference to develop and implement strategies for preventing suicide among these special populations. The Governor will also invest $5 million to expand permanent supportive housing for homeless veterans through the state’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP).
Concerning College Students’ access to Nutrition:
Expanding College Student Enrollment in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits: The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance will establish policy to make more community college students eligible for essential SNAP benefits. Additionally, OTDA will establish state policy that community college students engaged at least half-time in career and technical education courses of study are exempt from the requirement to work 20 hours weekly to qualify for SNAP. These students will then be able to apply for and receive SNAP if they otherwise qualify based on available income and other basic eligibility rules that apply to all SNAP households.