With city budget talks likely to wrap up soon, now is the time to urge the City Council to restore critical ATI/reentry funding. Following up on our huge rally last week -- made successful only with your help -- we and fellow members of the New York ATI/Reentry Coalition hope you'll join us in an all-out advocacy push this week:

• Call members of the budget negotiating team to tell them that ATI/Reentry programs need to be a priority for a "smart on crime" future in New York City. Cuts to our programs now will only cost the city more later -- in dollars and in public safety. Follow this link to make your calls -- to the Council members' main offices and to district offices -- today!

Want to do even more?

We are also looking for volunteers to meet and greet Council members at their offices this week. Contact LAC's state policy director, Tracie Gardner, if you can help.

Background:

As many of you know, members of the New York ATI/Reentry Coalition have sustained devastating cuts in city funding over the past few years, even as our crucial work has helped to make our communities safer while saving millions of taxpayer dollars.

Now, the City Council has concluded its budget hearings and is working on the budget for the 2012 fiscal year, due June 30. This means time is running out for us to persuade them to restore critical funding for ATI/Reentry programs in New York City.

More information:

• Our impact: ATI/Reentry Coalition Services Report 2011
• History: "From Separate Beginnings to a United Front," by LAC's state policy director, Tracie Gardner