Senator Gallivan Joins Colleagues in Calling for Release of Funds for Joseph P. Dwyer Program

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan, (R-C-I, Elma) joined members of the Senate Minority Conference in sending a letter to Senator John Brooks, Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs, calling on the Senate Majority to take the steps necessary to release funding allocated in last year’s budget for the Joseph P. Dwyer Peer-to-Peer Support Program.

The program provides mental health support services to veterans through New York State. The 2020-21 state budget included approximately $4.5 million in funding for the program, but the Senate Majority has not requested the Office of Mental Health or the Division of the Budget to release the funding.

“Since 2012, the Joseph P. Dwyer Peer to Peer Support Program has provided critical services to veterans who have served our country," Senator Gallivan said.  "The physical and emotional challenges many of these men and women face have been exasperated by the Covid-19 pandemic.  The state must distribute the funds that have been promised for this program to ensure that services continue."

The letter was signed by every member of the Senate Minority Conference, and calls on the Majority to take the necessary steps to release this important funding as soon as possible.