PRESS RELEASES
Friday, October 03, 2008
Governor Signs Paulin’s Legislation Expanding State Reimbursement For Emergency Domestic Violence Shelters
Assemblywoman Amy Paulin’s legislation authorizing the state to reimburse domestic violence agencies for emergency shelter provided to all victims of domestic violence has been signed by Governor Paterson.
Paulin’s new law builds upon landmark legislation passed last year that cracked down on human trafficking and improved services for victims. Because of a gap in state law, however, emergency shelters were not always reimbursed for services to these victims. As a result, some emergency shelters, with limited and strained financial resources, were unable to serve victims of human trafficking and domestic violence. In other cases, counties assumed the full financial costs of reimbursing emergency shelter service providers, thereby placing an additional burden on local property taxpayers. By expanding state reimbursement for emergency shelter, Paulin’s legislation both protects this vulnerable population and reduces property taxes.
This legislation is strongly supported by Westchester County Executive Andy Spano, who remarked; “We are very pleased that the Governor has signed this important bill which will help to protect women. Emergency shelter is a service that should be provided to everyone regardless of their immigration status, and in the long run will be more cost effective.’’ Further indicating the importance of Paulin’s legislation, Patti Jo Newell, Deputy Director of the New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NYSCADV), notes that “now that programs will be reimbursed for services provided, New York can be assured of a broad and consistent response to domestic violence and trafficking.”
“Victims of human trafficking very often need safe, confidential emergency shelter to escape their traffickers, and domestic violence shelters are well positioned to serve this population,” noted Assemblywoman Paulin. “This legislation will enhance victims’ safety by ensuring they get the security they need,” Paulin added.