FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Alex Dery Snider
202.641.5124
Susan Tornicelli
(518) 434-9194 x 121
Non-profits across the state disappointed in veto of bill to improve contracting process
Call on the Governor to address delays in upcoming Executive Budget
Governor Hochul vetoed a bill on Friday that would have begun to address the unacceptably slow contract and procurement process faced by non-profit organizations that contract with New York State. The bill (S.4877 Mayer / A.2740B Paulin) would have added more oversight to the state’s process of contracting with not-for-profit organizations, including establishing clear contract payment schedules and reimbursement of interests for failing to meet these timelines, ultimately improving the delivery of essential services to the most vulnerable New Yorkers.
The legislation received overwhelming support from 275 entities, who sent a sign on letter to the Executive shortly before the veto was announced. The signatories represent an array of safety net sectors including civil legal services, domestic violence support, civil rights advocacy, education, health, community services, environmental and more.
Kristin Brown, President and CEO of Empire Justice Center and President of the New York Legal Services Coalition said:
“The state relies on nonprofits to deliver critical safety net services to New Yorkers, including upholding civil rights. This role will be even more important, as we see policy shifts at the federal level that will threaten our most vulnerable communities and seek to strip away basic rights and protections. We call on the Governor to take concrete steps to address the delays, lack of information, and inefficiencies in the state’s contracting process in the SFY 2026 Executive Budget submission.”
NYCON CEO Megan Allen said:
“It’s an ongoing challenge for nonprofits to function when they don’t know when a contract will be executed or when they will begin to get payment for their services, often waiting more than a year. At least knowing when to expect payment would help nonprofits make informed management decisions. We call on Gov Hochul to address the nonprofit contracting process to be more efficient and transparent.”
About the New York Legal Services Coalition
The New York Legal Services Coalition is a statewide association that represents the interests of civil legal services organizations and the communities they serve. Our members collectively provide services in the areas of family law, housing, immigration, and public benefits across all 62 counties of New York State.
About NYCON:
NYCON is a statewide association of more than 3,000 nonprofits, working to develop and promote an effective and vibrant charitable nonprofit community throughout New York State. NYCON strengthens organizational capacity, acts as an advocate and unifying voice, helps to inform philanthropic giving, and conducts research and planning to demonstrate relevance and impact. Combined, these efforts help to improve the quality of life in communities by strengthening the effectiveness, efficiencies, and viability of charitable nonprofits. To learn more about NYCON, visit www.nycon.org.
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