Governor Cuomo’s proposed budget for FY2013–‐14 includes initiatives that will benefit New
York’s children as well as funding cuts that raise serious concern. We applaud the Governor’s allocations for child care subsidies, pre–‐kindergarten, extended learning and Pay for Success contracts. We strongly object to reductions in the Nurse Family Partnership program and Runaway and Homeless Youth services.

The Children’s Agenda recognizes that the Governor is responsible for developing a budget that is both fiscally and socially responsible and this is no easy task. To say that economic times are tight for State government is an understatement. It is especially in these tight times, though that we must continue to invest in prevention.

Preventing abuse, learning problems, and youth crime and delinquency is a proven way to benefit the economy and strengthen families, better ensuring that the children of New York State grow up to be healthy, productive citizens.

In the 2012–‐2103 budget, Governor Cuomo has made some choices that will benefit New York State’s children, but some important areas have been missed.