Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton and Assemblymember Nily Rozic Announce Effort to Quadruple Hate Crimes Grant to Secure Vulnerable Sites Across New York
Queens, NY— Amidst a rise in hate crimes in New York State and across the country, State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton and Assemblymember Nily Rozic were joined by community leaders across faith backgrounds as they announced efforts to increase state funding for the Hate Crimes Grant to $100 million from the current $25 million allocation.
“The Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes Grant Program has been a vital resource for our communities, but the urgency amidst this current wave of hate crimes requires a bolder
response,” said Assemblywoman Nily Rozic. “We urge the Governor and legislative leaders to recognize the gravity of this issue and increase the current grant allocation to $100 million,
sending a powerful message that we stand together against hate, intolerance, and violence.”
“As a community deeply committed to fostering safety, tolerance, and inclusivity, we are compelled to address the alarming rise in hate crimes targeting our Jewish and Muslim
neighbors,” said State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton. “The violent and hateful rhetoric that has infiltrated our communities threatens the very fabric of our society. It is with this sense of urgency and shared responsibility that I call for an increased allocation to the Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes Grant Program.”
“With antisemitism and hate on the rise, many of our institutions - including our synagogues, yeshivas and Jewish day schools - are paying high out of pocket costs for additional security measures to protect our community during this uncertain time. This is an unsustainable and
unfair situation,” said Sydney Altfield, Executive Director of Teach NYS, an organization that advocates for government funding and resources for nonpublic schools. “We at Teach NYS applaud Senator Scarella-Spaton and Assemblymember Rozic, for taking the lead on this important initiative to protect us.”
The legislators will be circulating a letter among colleagues to join them in this effort to include additional funding in this year’s state budget.