New York public defenders say a proposal by Gov. Kathy Hochul to flatline their funding in fiscal 2024 with $7.5 million, while substantially increasing money for district attorneys, is “unconscionable.”

The debate rages on as the start to the new fiscal year approaches on April 1, and as the anniversary of the watershed Gideon v. Wainright approaches 60 years on Saturday. It’s the federal enshrinement by the U.S. Supreme Court of guaranteeing a defendant facing serious criminal charges a right to counsel if they cannot afford one.