After tremendous advocacy, Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal announced today that the final FY 2015-16 budget includes $4.5 million in critical funding for programs that support New York's population of homeless and runaway youth.

"The Assembly allocation of $2 million represents the first time since 2008 that funding to support programs for runaway and homeless youth has been increased," said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF-Manhattan), who spearheaded efforts in the Assembly to increase funding.

"For years, it has been clear that funding has not kept pace with the enormity of the problem," continued Assemblymember Rosenthal.

As of 2012, the total number of runaway and homeless youth, nearly 40% of whom identify as LGBT, has reached almost 30,000 statewide; however, there are currently only 350 government-funded beds in New York City to serve the nearly 4,000 young people sleeping on streets each night. Because of the dearth of funding and the lack of available beds, more and more young people turn to sex traffickers and pimps, desperate to find some semblance of "stability."

"I am pleased that we in the Assembly recognized the gravity of the issue and included additional funding for RHY programs. This money will help to create desperately needed new beds across the State and will ensure that fewer children are forced to sleep on the street each night," concluded Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal.

The Executive and Assembly included a total of $4.48 million for RHY programs ($2 and $2.36 million respectively). The New York State Senate budget will include $128,000 in funding for RHY.