Human Rights, Division of
skip breadcrumbs| All amounts are in dollars |
| Category | Available 2007-08 |
Appropriations Recommended 2008-09 |
Change From 2007-08 |
Reappropriations Recommended 2008-09 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Operations | 19,430,000 | 21,601,000 | 2,171,000 | 16,562,000 |
| Total | 19,430,000 | 21,601,000 | 2,171,000 | 16,562,000 |
| Full-Time Equivalent Positions (FTE) |
| Program | 2007-08 Estimated FTEs 03/31/08 |
2008-09 Estimated FTEs 03/31/09 |
FTE Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Administration | |||
| General Fund | 166 | 168 | 2 |
| Special Revenue Funds - Federal | 40 | 40 | 0 |
| Total | 206 | 208 | 2 |
Note: Most recent estimates as of 01/22/08.
Mission
New York holds the proud distinction of being the first state in the nation to enact a civil rights law, affording every individual an equal opportunity to enjoy a full and productive life, including in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodations, education, and credit. Under the State's Human Rights Law, discriminating against others because of their race, sex, age, disability or membership in other specified classes is illegal in the State of New York. Protection under the Human Rights Law also includes prohibiting discrimination based on military status and sexual orientation.
The New York State Division of Human Rights is the State agency charged with enforcing the Human Rights Law and protecting the civil rights of New Yorkers. To fulfill these responsibilities, the Division:
- Prosecutes unlawful discriminatory practices;
- Investigates and resolves individual complaints of illegal discrimination;
- Advances policies and legislation that expand and/or better protect the civil rights of New Yorkers; and
- Promotes human rights awareness through education and outreach.
Budget Highlights
The Executive Budget recommends $21.6 million All Funds ($14.7 million General Fund, $6.9 million Other Funds) for the Division of Human Rights. This is an increase of $2.2 million All Funds ($0.2 million General Fund, $2 million Other Funds) from the 2007-08 Budget. This increase will enable the Division to keep pace with the anticipated growth in cases brought before it.
The Executive Budget recommends a Division staffing level of 208 FTEs in 2008-09, an increase of 2 from 2007-08 to handle increased workload expected from recently enacted legislation in the area of public accommodations for persons with disabilities. The $2 million increase in Federal appropriation authority will allow the Division to increase its staff by an additional 20 if needed to address a growing caseload and to receive and investigate complaints and hear cases in a timely manner.
2008-09 Executive Budget — Agency Presentation
Human Rights, Division of (PDF)