Health and Human Services Announces Public Hearing on County Services for Children and Teens
Public Hearing: Health and Human Services Committee
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Health & Human Services Committee of the County Legislature announced an upcoming public hearing on county services provided to children and teens. The hearing will allow two opportunities for testimony from families and service providers: May 13 at 12:00 p.m. at the County Courthouse in Legislature Chambers and on May 14 at 6:00 p.m. at Salt City Market Community Room at 484 S. Salina St, Syracuse, NY 13202.
“We wanted to have flexibility for people that work during the day and can’t make a noon meeting,” said Chairman of the Committee, Legislator Dan Romeo, at this week’s committee meeting.
“We know that, given the range and complexity of all the things our children and families struggle with, this is an area that needs every voice. Every opportunity to hear from families and the situations they’re struggling with is an opportunity to work with the Executive Administration on improving County services,” said Romeo.
The hearings follow an April vote to expand the powers of the Legislature’s six standing committees to host public hearings. This allows legislators to discuss topics more closely related to their committee work and to engage public input earlier in the policymaking process.
The Health and Human Services Committee reviews the policies and operations of departments such as the County Health Department and Child and Family Services, which provide significant services to children and teens including youth mental health services, lead poison prevention, maternal and child health, and access to food and care.
Residents and groups may also submit public comments by attending a meeting in-person or sending comments to legislature@onondaga.gov. Public comments received via email and letter must be received by 11:59 p.m. on May 14.