Supporters of nonprofit social service agencies are planning a rally Friday in Mineola to protest Nassau County cutting off their funding this week.
Among the agencies facing cuts are members of the Coalition of Nassau County Youth Services are the Coalition of Behavioral Health Providers, the Nassau Alliance for Addictive Services and the Long Island Hispanic Coalition.
“Closing our doors will have devastating and detrimental impacts on the lives and futures of thousands from Nassau County’s most vulnerable populations,” said Peter Levy, president of the Coalition of Nassau County Youth Services Agencies. “By cutting these programs, our elected officials will cost the County and taxpayers much more in both the short- and long-term.”
In many cases, the organization will no longer qualify for state or federal funding as a result of the county cuts.
The funding cuts are a result of squabbling between Democrats and Republicans in the GOP-controlled legislature over borrowing $41 million to fund overdue property tax settlements.
As a result, services and programs for residents such as suicide prevention, homelessness, drug addiction and many more will be cut back or eliminated as of Thursday, when County Executive Ed Mangano ended contracts and cut off funding for the groups.
“Defunding the county share of services for drug and alcohol programs is incredulous,” said Jamie Bogenshutz, executive director of YES Community Counseling Center/Nassau Alliance for Addiction Services. “It attacks our most vulnerable residents and it is completely irresponsible.”
Advocates submitted a plan to lawmakers to end the deadlock last week and are urging residents express their opposition to these cuts.
The rally is scheduled for noon Friday at the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building.
