Gov. Cuomo to Add Resources to Combat Hate, Anti-Semitism in FY 2021 Budget

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced on Thursday the ‘No Hate in Our State’ campaign that includes a series of comprehensive proposals in the fiscal year 2021 Budget to combat hate, division and anti-Semitism in New York State.

The campaign includes passing a first-in-the-nation domestic terrorism law, investing $25 million for religious not-for-profit organizations vulnerable to hate crimes, creating an education curriculum on diversity and tolerance for students in New York and investing $2 million to support the State Police Hate Crimes Task Force.

The Governor also launched a new website as part of the campaign with more information about these proposals, and encouraged New Yorkers to sign on to the campaign petition to show their support.

“The rash of anti-Semitism and hate crimes that has been spreading across our State and the country is a virus. I thought that New York would be immune from it, but I was wrong,” Governor Cuomo said. “I want to make it clear that anti-Semitism has no place in New York, and this year we are going to fight this rising tide of hate with bold legislative action to deter violence, protect our citizens and educate our people about the causes and terrible consequences of hate.”

The FY 2021 Budget will invest an additional $25 million for religious and non-religious not-for-profit organizations that are vulnerable to hate crimes, and will expand the eligibility criteria to include houses of worship. This funding builds on the $45 million the State has already made available for these organizations to fight back against hate through the Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes Grant Program.

The Governor is also proposing that New York schools add a curriculum that teaches civic values and the State’s rich history of diversity and religious freedom. Also included is a proposal that the Battery Park City Authority develop a plan to expand the Museum of Jewish Heritage on the Holocaust to be a learning destination for school children across the state. Additionally, the Governor is advancing legislation mandating that every New York City student visit a museum that covers topics related to the Holocaust to deepen their understanding of these historical events.

The proposals were lauded by many community leaders. “We are grateful for the governor’s leadership and his commitment to help turn back this tsunami of hate,” Jonathan A. Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, said. “The proposal outlined today, with a pledge of $70 million in funding to provide security and peace of mind to Jewish and nonprofit organizations, is a substantial plan in the fight against hate.”

 

(Photo by Kevin P. Coughlin / Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo)