Lemons into Lemonade

I am amazed by two things: the incompetency of the NYS Crime Victims Board and the extraordinary dedication of crime victims to making victim compensation programs better.

Here are some key realities:

1. Victim compensation programs around the United States are poorly run, infused with local politics, and deny victims the compensation they are guaranteed under both federal and state laws.

2. Victim assistance centers and shelters will not complain about the state compensation agencies, because these state agencies provide or funnel their state and federal funding.

3. There probably are enough grounds to file a national class action lawsuit under the federal statute, to force improvement in state compensation programs.

4. Here in New York, there are people like Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski who hear about problems and take steps to see them addressed. He told me yesterday that CVB Chairwoman Tina Stanford has not responded to a letter he sent after constituents told him about problems with the CVB.

5. Here in New York, the CVB does not even know the laws enacted by the state legislature. The chairwoman just shoots from the hip, then puts hurdles in your way when you tell her about mistakes.

6. Here in New York, the CVB does an extremely poor job making New Yorkers aware of their rights under federal and state law after they are victims of crime. I bet this is a national problem.

7. All around the country, there are people who care enough and are passionate enough to take action to make major changes and dramatic improvements.