The governor’s plan to eliminate the displaced homemaker program – part of his latest budget proposal that includes drastic cuts to healthcare and education – is simply unacceptable. By proposing the closure of the center here in Syracuse, the governor is taking jobs and services away from Central New Yorkers at a time when they can least afford it. Complete elimination of the state’s program that serves over 200,000 New Yorkers is yet another example of the governor’s wrong choice to balance his budget on the backs of our most vulnerable citizens. The displaced homemaker program plays a critical role in helping individuals get the education, skills training and other vital assistance they need to succeed. Displaced homemakers are much more likely to be unemployed or working in low-paying jobs. That’s why it’s so important that New York help these individuals to achieve economic self-sufficiency. This is the second year in a row the governor has attempted to undermine this program. The Legislature approved funding for the displaced homemakers program in last year’s budget, but the governor failed to earmark critical resources through the state Labor Department’s Unemployment Interest and Penalty Fund. The result was a loss of approximately $2 million under current contracts, from $6 million a year to $4 million. There are 22 regional centers run by the non-for-profit organizations which provide a full range of employment and support services to displaced homemakers, such as job readiness programs, resume writing and job seeking strategies. The governor’s failure to fund this program threatens the very existence of those regional centers and the clients they serve. Locally, the governor’s proposal to eliminate the program will have a real and lasting effect in our community. If you or someone you know would like more information on the displaced homemaker program, please call Cathy Talev at 446-0550 or visit the center at: