Governor Kathy Hochul announced an additional $25 million in funding to support organizations at high risk of hate crimes and vandalism during New York’s first-ever Unity Summit. The summit brought together over 500 New Yorkers, including community groups, faith leaders, and public safety experts, to discuss combating the rising tide of hate. Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of unity in fighting hate and making New York a safer and more welcoming state for all.
The $25 million will be allocated through the FY 2024 budget to help organizations enhance security measures and support trainings, public awareness campaigns, and outreach efforts across the state. Additionally, the 2024 budget includes $3.5 million for the Hate and Bias Prevention Unit, which coordinates 10 regional councils addressing various biases and challenges across New York State. The councils will begin meeting in the coming weeks.
Since taking office, Governor Hochul has prioritized addressing hate crimes and bias. In December 2022, she unveiled the Division of Human Rights’ new Hate and Bias Prevention Unit, and in November 2022, she signed two new laws targeting hate crime perpetrators and launching a statewide diversity and tolerance campaign. The FY23 Budget included significant changes to bail laws to expand arrest and bail eligibility for repeat offenses and hate crimes.
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