Improving Youth Outcomes

By Senator April N.M. Baskin

In my freshman year as a New York State Senator representing the 63rd district, which includes Cheektowaga, Lackawanna, and a portion of Buffalo, I fought for and secured nearly $400,000 in funding for a wide variety of non-profit agencies in the district.

I am fighting every day to stem this type of violence and harmful behavior through grants and legislative policies. In my first term, for example, I secured a $20,000 grant for the Buffalo Police Athletic League (PAL), a longtime agency that has successfully facilitated police officer, community, and youth interaction engagement for 82 years. PAL offers services at six city wide centers, public schools, and in seasonal sports leagues all in an effort to keep our youth occupied with life-enhancing activities, skills, and responsible behavior.

Other legislation I’ve sponsored and supported is designed to benefit youth and the broader community by preventing crime, fostering trust, and improving outcome for at-risk youngsters.

Along with a Senate colleague, bill number S643 calls for the creation of a Youth Justice Innovation Fund of $50 million used for youth development programs, preventing youth arrest and incarceration, education and employment and placement programs for youth through age 25.

I want to focus on one agency in particular, especially in light of the recent disturbing incidents involving young people who engaging in criminal behavior: the so-called “Kia Kids,” who have stolen numerous vehicles; a dangerous vehicle chase in Cheektowaga Town Park, injuring a disabled resident; fights at community parades; a stabbing at the Galleria Mall; shootings in the city and other suburbs.

As the mother of two school-aged children, please rest assured I will work diligently to help find more funding and more collaborations with the many organizations that put safety, education, and quality of life in the forefront for youth and the district at large.

~Senator April N.M. Baskin SD-63