A group of state lawmakers have signed on to a letter urging Governor Andrew Cuomo to oppose cuts to reimbursement rates for services under Children and Family Treatment and Support Services, writing that the programs shouldn't be reduced, with suicide as the second leading cause of death among young people. 

The letter points to the mental health programs funded, including crisis intervention, rehabilitation from substance and psychiatric support. 

The cuts went into effect on Jan. 1 and lawmakers want permanent funding. 

"The demand for children’s services in our communities has grown since then, but the fact remains that we need more providers willing to offer the new CFTSS," the letter states. "Instead, providers are dropping out of the program due to rate reductions that are already taking place or are imminent within the coming weeks."

Signing on to the letter included Sens. David Carlucci, Peter Harckham, Velmanette Montgomery and Assembly lawmakers Eileen Gunther, Ellen Jaffee and Linda Rosenthal.