“The public defense reform achieved in this budget is absolutely transformational,” said New York State Defenders Association Executive Director Jonathan Gradess. “It places New York on an irreversible path toward equal justice; it makes the first genuinely tactical step toward reform of public defense services for those unable to afford counsel and it opens the door to an ongoing consensual dialogue on exactly what is needed to bring that about over the next seven years. The Governor and members of the Legislature are all to be congratulated on working through the thorns to find the roses of quality and defender independence."
“Poor Black and Latino New Yorkers are now on track to receive quality public defense representation throughout the legal process, thanks to the agreement for the state to provide funds to all counties for public defense program improvements,” said Assemblyman N. Nick Perry, Chairman, NYS Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus. “I commend Speaker Carl Heastie for his expert leadership role in bringing this Caucus priority to a positive and welcomed resolution.”
“Justice equality is an important part of any effective strategy to counteract impacts of racially-biased policies,” said Alice Green, Executive Director, The Center for Law and Justice. "By supporting this legislation, the Governor, Assembly and Senate will make a difference in heavily-policed communities by increasing the fairness of the system. Today, New York has upheld its progressive traditions."
