Assemblyman Brian Maher (R,C-Walden) and Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh (R,C-Ballston) will co-chair a New York State Assembly Minority Task Force on Human Trafficking and Exploitation.The task force will kick off on July 30^th in Suffolk County.July 30^th is recognized as “World Day Against Trafficking in Persons,” a day observed by the United Nations and the International community to raise awareness and encourage action to end human trafficking.Maher and Walsh will be joined at the task force kickoff by Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio (R,C-Riverhead), and Assemblyman Ed Flood (R,C-Port Jefferson).

During the Task Force kickoff more than two dozen stakeholders and experts will discuss how to strengthen support for survivors, provide better tools and coordination for law enforcement, create education and training, and review the impacts of the migrant crisis in relation to human trafficking.

“Nearly one year ago I attended a public hearing where I listened to survivors of human trafficking, nonprofits, and law enforcement officials testify to the harsh reality that within our own communities here in New York we have modern day slavery taking place,” said Maher. “Thanks to Minority Leader Will Barclay and our team in the Minority Assembly Minority, we will be putting on a full court press over the next several months to educate ourselves on this horrific issue and put together recommendations that will make a meaningful difference.”

“Human Trafficking is an abuse of human rights happening in communities throughout New York. Addressing a multi-faceted issue requires a coordinated community response to ensure victims are supported and have access to services. Working together we can identify human trafficking in our communities and work to develop initiatives that focus on reducing the market demand. I look forward to partnering with Assemblyman Maher, Assemblywoman Walsh,” said Kellyann Kostyall, Executive Director of Fearless.

“The Assembly Minority Task Force on Human Trafficking has been formed to investigate the very troubling abuse of children and adults for sexual abuse, labor trafficking, and exploitation,” continued Maher.“We know this issue is prevalent in our communities and the establishment of this task force is the next step in our conference making a conscious effort to address these longstanding injustices.”

New York, while enacting various policies throughout the past several years, still has room to improve its efforts and policies to prevent and help those impacted by human trafficking. Over a series of roundtable discussions, breakout workshops, and hearings, the task force will look at the problem through several lenses.

The task force will hold this series of regional forums over the summer and early fall. It will seek input from professionals providing support and care, law enforcement and the criminal justice community, survivors, and community leaders. At the conclusion of the forums, the task force will compile testimony to formulate a summary of the findings and targeted solutions to curb human trafficking and support survivors.