Noting that low-income New Yorkers have been hit hardest in myriad ways by the economic fallout of the public health shutdown, the statement – authored in part by Tina Luongo, head of The Legal Aid Society’s Criminal Defense Practice – proudly highlights the role public defenders have played throughout the shutdown in expanding operations to protect the rights of New Yorker’s suffering from a multitude of oppressive, COVID-era policies.

Defenders warn that a diminution of funding during the crisis will not only undercut their ability to continue to provide vulnerable New Yorkers these crucial services, it will result in a lack of access to justice.

“In times of crisis, we cannot allow the rights and needs of the most vulnerable among us to be invisible,” the op-ed states. “These are also the New Yorkers we represent and fight for every day. They’re who our leaders must stand up for now.”

Read the full piece here.