Governor Hochul Announces $25 Million Available to Organizations Facing Hate Crimes and Targeted Violence

Governor Made Announcement At New York's First-Ever Unity Summit, Bringing Together Community Groups, Faith Leaders and Law Enforcement Working Together To Stem The Rising Tide of Hate

Unity Summit Also Included Remarks From Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, Former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch and Other Local Leaders

Governor Kathy Hochul on Wednesday, May 10, announced an additional $25 million will be made available to organizations at risk of hate crimes and vandalism. She made the announcement at New York's first-ever Unity Summit, a statewide convening of more than 500 New Yorkers representing community groups, faith leaders and public safety experts sharing their perspectives on how New York can come together to fight the rising tide of hate. 

  

"This is our defining moment - a moment to stand up as one New York and make clear there is no place for hate in our communities," Governor Hochul said. "I was proud to convene New York's first-ever Unity Summit to bring together leading experts working to fight hate and bias. Working together, I know we can make this state safer and more welcoming for all."    

"At today's Unity Summit we brought together leaders, human rights advocates, and activists from around the world for a day of reflection and recommitment to the work we are doing in New York to drive out hate," said Lieutenant Governor Delgado. "This funding will bring resources and support directly to community partners who are building a more unified and tolerant state. I am honored to serve as the Chair of the Hate and Bias Prevention Unit and oversee this work going forward." 

During her remarks at the Unity Summit, Governor Hochul announced $25 million will be made available through the FY 2024 budget to support organizations serving communities that are at high risk of hate crimes and vandalism. This funding will go to help organizations enhance security measures in vulnerable places and support trainings, public awareness campaigns, and other outreach efforts across the state. The 2024 budget also includes $3.5 million in funding for the Hate and Bias Prevention Unit, whose work includes the coordination of 10 regional councils convened to address different biases and challenges across New York State. All 10 regional councils have been formed and will begin meeting in the coming weeks.

The Unity Summit featured keynote remarks from former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch. Panels included "The State of Hate in New York," featuring State agency leaders discussing their efforts to combat hate crimes, "Working Together To Address and Prevent Hate in Our Communities," featuring Jewish, AAPI, Muslim, Sikh, LGBTQ+, Hispanic and African American community leaders, and "How are Federal, State and Local Stakeholders Addressing Hate." The day concluded with remarks from Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado who leads the Hate and Bias Prevention Unit within the New York State Division of Human Rights.   

Since taking office, Governor Hochul has prioritized tackling hate crimes and bias. In December 2022, Governor Hochul unveiled the Division of Human Rights' new Hate and Bias Prevention Unit. In November 2022, she signed two new laws cracking down on perpetrators of hate crimes and creating a new statewide diversity and tolerance campaign. In the FY23 Budget, Governor Hochul made significant changes to the bail laws to expand arrest-eligibility and bail-eligibility for repeat offenses and hate crimes.   

The full Unity Summit is available to view here.

prnygov230510