NEW YORK CITY, NY — The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) on March 27 released a video narrated by activist Jeffrey Wright calling on Gov. Cuomo and legislators to overhaul and properly fund the state’s failing public defense system. New York State leaves responsibility for public defense to its counties, which according the NYCLU creates an underfunded, patchwork system in which poor New Yorkers accused of crimes often do not receive adequate legal representation, which the Constitution requires.

The new 60-second video comes as the New York State legislature considers public defense within the state budget process, with a looming March 31 deadline.

“Gov. Cuomo has called New York ‘the progressive capital of the nation,’ but across our state people lose their families, homes and jobs because they can’t afford private lawyers,” said NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman.