State slashes hot line budget

ALBANY - Most New Yorkers can pick up a phone and dial one number to find out what services or assistance they're eligible for - regardless of their needs.

But a 92 percent cut in state funding for the 211 hot line could drastically limit its ability to help connect New Yorkers with the services they need and halt a planned expansion across the state.

“Everyone at one time or another in their life has needed help - and that's why I like this program,” said Susan Hager, president of the United Way New York State.