Gay rights activists stood alongside lawmakers Thursday as they announced $100,000 in state funding for Newburgh's growing LGBTQ center in the heart of the city.

The volunteer-based group has been working within the community for years and as of now, is operating out of an art studio on South Williams Street.

The hope is that the money will help the organization get its own space and employ much-needed staff.

State Sen. James Skoufis was behind the push for the funds in Albany and announced several gay rights measures passed this past session, including legalizing surrogacy and putting an end to the so-called "gay panic defense" as an excuse for murder.

"There's still a lot of work to do, but I'm confident we're on the right path and able to build on the successes we've seen this year,” he said.