Welcome to the September edition of our newsletter, Policy Matters. This month, we’re covering New York’s Chief Judge Rowan Wilsons Hearing on Civil Legal Services, bills we are tracking, updates on student loans, employee celebrations, and more. Updates below! empirejustice.org/news/policy-...

Our name change clinic is just 2 days away! On 10/1, join legal experts from our Albany office + partner org @lasnny.bsky.social at the Brunswick Community Library in Troy, NY from 10 AM - 5 PM for free legal help with changing your name and gender markers. lnkd.in/gkk5Da3m

🎉Congrats to Julia Kudlacz, our Immigration Rights Supervising Senior Attorney, named a 2025 Leader in Law! Julia has dedicated her career to advancing justice for immigrant communities. libn.com/event/leader...

Our Health & Public Benefits Team gathered in Albany for the HIICAP Conference to learn about Medicare, Medicaid, and advocacy strategies, ending the day with dinner with our President & CEO, Kristin Brown. Thanks to SHIP, NYSOFA & Medicare Rights Center for hosting!

Yesterday, President and CEO Kristin Brown testified on the Chief Judge’s Hearing on Civil Legal Services in NYS. This hearing evaluates the continuing unmet needs of civil legal services such as Empire Justice Center and to assess the level of resources necessary to meet those needs.

Our President and CEO, Kristin Brown is testifying today at the Chief Judge's statewide public hearing to evaluate the unmet civil legal services in New York State! Join the livestream starting at 1 PM. www.nycourts.gov/ctapps/civil...

Are you or someone you know looking for a name change? LASNNY is partnering with @empirejustice.bsky.social  to host another Name-Change Clinic on October 1st. Please pre-register by reaching out to [email protected].

Student loan changes are coming! Are you a borrower? These updates could impact your payments and forgiveness options. Join our free webinar with Student Loan Expert Jordan Daniels on Oct. 6 at 6 PM to learn what’s changing, when it’s happening, and how to stay ahead. zoom.us/webinar/regi...

🚨 Dept. of Ed wants to limit PSLF based on a nonprofit’s mission — hurting nonprofits & the communities they serve. Submit your comment: www.councilofnonprofits.org/articles/department-education-proposes-unlawful-overhaul-public-service-loan-forgiveness 📢 Thanks NatlCouncilNPs for leading the way!

Big changes are coming to the federal student loan system that will impact every borrower. Are you in school, repayment, or default? This webinar is for you! Register today for for a free webinar on 10/6 at 6PM with our student loan expert, Jordan Daniels. zoom.us/webinar/regi...

The Dept. of Ed wants to cut some nonprofits from student loan forgiveness (PSLF). PSLF was designed to support all nonprofits & must stay that way. NCN made a guide to submit comments: councilofnonprofits.org/articles/department-education-proposes-unlawful-overhaul-public-service-loan-forgiveness

🚨 New York’s nonprofits are in crisis. Contract delays and inefficiencies are putting housing, mental health, youth programs, and more at risk. Governor Hochul can fix this by signing S.7001/A.7616. Add your name to the letter today—it only takes a minute! lnkd.in/gfHWY4he

Welcome to the August edition of our newsletter, Policy Matters. This month, we ask you to take action on bills that passed the legislature, we provide information on student loans & tenant advocacy, provide information on a bill signed into law this year, and more. empirejustice.org/news/policy-...

🚨 NY nonprofits need your voice! Tell Gov. Hochul: sign the bill to fix NY's broken contracting system. This bill means faster payments, stronger nonprofits, & better services for our communities. 500+ nonprofits already support it—add your name now! empirejustice.salsalabs.org/2025contract...

Next Tues 8/19, join us for Talk to a Tax Lawyer Day from 10AM-4PM at the Rochester Central Library. Our Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) team can help you navigate tax concerns, for FREE including: IRS notices Audits or tax debts Stimulus payments & refunds Under-reporter issues & more

We're hiring! Our Disability Advocacy Program (DAP) is looking for a Legal Assistant to join our team. Check out our comprehensive benefits, job details & other open positions: empirejustice.org/work-with-us/

Big changes are coming for student loan borrowers! 📢 The new federal bill is reshaping repayment plans, forgiveness options & borrowing limits. Join our Student Loan Debt Counselor, Jordan Daniels, for a FREE webinar on 8/18 at 6 PM to learn how it will affect you. Register: zoom.us/webinar/regi...

Major changes are in store for student loan borrowers with the recent federal bill passed into law. Join us for a FREE webinar on 8/18 at 6 PM to learn about the new laws on student loans. Register & learn more: zoom.us/webinar/regi...

🌟Employee Spotlight: Samuel Robinson, our Foreclosure Prevention Paralegal. When asked about what he enjoys about his team, Samuel highlighted our 360° approach—teaching, practicing & changing the law to create lasting impact for our client communities. Thank you, Samuel! Keep up the great work.

New York States owes $650M nonprofits for services already delivered, straining orgs that power NY’s safety net. 550+ nonprofits have signed a letter urging Gov. Hochul to fix our state contracting system. Add your name: forms.gle/61bfk9y4mKVW... Learn more: empirejustice.org/news/press-r...

The 2025 NYS LGBTQ+ Community Needs Survey is open! If you’re 13+ and live in NY, your voice matters. This survey helps shape affirming, accessible health and social services across the state. Complete by 8/31 for a chance to win a $200 gift card! www.nyslgbtq.org

Fair Hearing Help is a free site for NYers facing OTDA admin hearings. New: Know-Your-Rights videos now available in English & Spanish! fairhearinghelpny.org/fair-hearing...

Welcome to the June edition of our newsletter, Policy Matters. The New York State Legislature has officially wrapped its 2025 Legislative session, with several key proposals crossing the finish line.

Today is the final day of giving for GiveOUT Day 2025! Celebrate pride month by standing with us for justice! Make a donation to support our LGBTQ Rights Project today. www.giveoutday.org/organization...

We are thrilled to see the SHIELD Bill (S.4914B Hoylman-Sigal/A.5480C Bronson) has passed both houses of the Legislature! This critical legislation would protect those who seek medically necessary care in New York State without being punished, expand protections for providers...

We are excited to share that S7001 (Mayer) / A7616 (Paulin) has passed both chambers! This bill seeks to make changes to the Prompt Contracting Law that would help to address nonprofits’ largest challenges with State funding. This is crucial, more than ever, for nonprofits and civil legal services.

Thank you to @nyccomptroller.bsky.social for this report. Note the #1 recommendation: ban unfair and abusive acts and practices by passing the FAIR Business Practices act, championed by @newyorkstateag.bsky.social, @micahlasher.bsky.social, and Senator Comrie.

We’re excited to celebrate Juneteenth this Saturday, June 14! Join us at the Freedom Parade, kicking off at 11 AM at Main & State Streets—where we’ll march with our Telesca Center Partners, then meet us at MLK Park for a day of community, culture, and celebration from 12–8 PM.

Last night, we were proud to accept the Making Democracy Work Award by League Of Women Voters. This award recognizes an org that is dedicated to strengthening our community through democracy and civic engagement. Thank you to League Of Women Voters for celebrating this work, and for honoring us!

Delays and inconsistencies in state contracting are putting nonprofits at risk. --1 in 3 nonprofits with State contracts are owed funding for services already provided --65% of nonprofits expressed concern about funding basic operations in 2025 bit.ly/Nonprofitsin...

This June, we're participating in Give OUT Day 2025, a national fundraising effort to support non-profit orgs serving LGBTQ communities. Our 360-degree approach—teaching, practicing, and changing the law—drives systemic change for LGBTQ NYers. Donate today: www.giveoutday.org/organization...

Welcome to the May edition of our newsletter, Policy Matters. This month, we bring you an overview of the 2025-26 Budget, legislative updates, highlights from press conferences and celebrations. We continue our work to respond to policy changes and to shore up and expand safeguards for...

Did you know? New York is 1 of only 8 states that does NOT ban unfair or abusive acts. This glaring oversight leaves New Yorkers vulnerable. Let us advocate for policies that protect New Yorker’s consumer rights. Pass the Fair Business Practices Act NOW. www.syracuse.com/opinion/2025...

We were honored to accept the Family Friendly Employer Award at GRAWA's Annual celebration. Huge thanks to GRAWA for the recognition, and to our staff who attended to represent our organization! Come work with us! More on our robust benefits & open positions: empirejustice.org/work-with-us/

Last week, Empire Justice Center joined statewide advocates to voice strong support for the SHIELD Law bill (S.4914A/A5480B), sponsored by Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal @bradhoylmansigal.bsky.social and Assemblymember Harry Bronson...

Jordan Daniels, Student Loan Manager at Empire Justice Center - pictured here with New York State Attorney General Leticia James @newyorkstateag.bsky.social - spoke on the importance of the Fostering Affordability and Integrity through Reasonable Business Practices...

Thank you to Senator Brouk @samrabrouk.bsky.social for co-sponsoring the FAIR Business Practices Act, one of our top legislative priorities for the end of this year! This key legislation aims to protect New Yorkers from predatory lending, abusive debt collection, junk fees, AI-based schemes...

Grateful to stand with @newyorkstateag.bsky.social, @micahlasher.bsky.social and Senator Comrie!

One in three nonprofits with state contracts say they are owed funding for services already provided, with $650 million in nonprofit funds owed by the state. And 65% of nonprofits report being concerned about funding their basic operations this year.

Nonprofits carry out lifesaving work for our communities - but are pushed to the brink by an antiquated contracting process that fails to pay them fairly or on time. 📝 A new report from HSC and our partners lays out how S7001/A7616 can help change this: static1.squarespace.com/static/55d36...

Join the fight to help save nonprofits in NYS! Nonprofits provide resources & services to community members through contracts by the State every day. However, organizations face delays in reimbursement lasting more than a year in some cases, resulting in the nonprofit

Calling NYS advocates! We collected Intentional Program Violation (IPV) plans from counties in NY using FOIL requests. These documents aren't posted publicly, but now are in one place to help you represent clients facing public assistance & SNAP fraud allegations. empirejustice.org/resources_po...

The Trevor Project launched its Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People. trevorredcap.trvr.org/surveys/?s=A... This survey gives LGBTQ+ youth the opportunity to share experiences & responses will guide researchers, healthcare providers, caregivers, and others. Please share widely!

Our Disability Advocacy Program (DAP) team had a fantastic time at the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR)'s Spring conference in DC! It was a great opportunity to connect with fellow NY state DAP colleagues & build national relationships!

This week, our leadership team had the privilege of meeting with New York State IOLA Fund and Office of Court Administration in Albany. For decades, OLA and OCA funding have empowered organizations like ours to meet the legal needs of our communities & support access to justice for all New Yorkers.

Empire Justice & Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York are hosting a name change clinic on 5/19, 11 AM- 5 PM at the Schenectady Public Library. These clinics provide free legal help on changing names and gender-markers for individuals 18+ Registration required! www.facebook.com/share/p/1APJ...

We are so proud to see City and State NY name our board member, Caitlin Anderson, Esq., & our Lobbyist, Kristen Murphy in the 2025 Who's Who in Government Relations list! Check out the full list and join us in congratulating all the honorees! www.cityandstateny.com/power-lists/...

Our partners at EDCAP are hosting a webinar on Tuesday, 5/6 at 12 PM. If you're behind on payments or in default, this webinar will help you understand what steps you can take to stop collections, catch up on missed payments & learn about what options are best for you. Register: lnkd.in/gyMEeEkr

SNAP is under threat! Congress is advancing drastic cuts that would harm 2.9 million New Yorkers who rely on SNAP. Congress must protect food access & stand against proposals that would increase hunger. Click the link to email your representatives hungersolutionsny.salsalabs.org/ne-snap-day-...

Welcome to the April edition of Policy Matters. We bring you updates on the NYS budget, info from our Benefits team, & testimony presented to the Rochester City Council. Lots of work responding to policy changes & more - check out our newsletter for more info: empirejustice.org/resources_po...