Local groups push for increased state funding for non-profits

More than 40 local non-profit groups are calling on Gov. Andrew Cuomo to put more state funding in the budget for human services organizations.

They say they are the first line of defense in fighting poverty in Central New York and need more money to do their job, especially with half of Syracuse children are born into poverty.

“Meeting the other requirements of state funded contracts, there’s insufficient funding in order to be able to carry out the excellent work that the agencies do to serve our Central New York community,” said Loretta Zolkowski of the Human Services Leadership Council of Central New York.

Spending in the human services sector in New York has dropped on average 1.3  percent a year since 2011.