This week, the Governor’s Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council (CPRAC) voted to adopt recommendations that, if included in the Executive Budget, hold the promise of meeting the State’s goal to decrease child poverty by 50% by 2032.
If we are to make a significant and sustainable investment in affordability, these recommendations are critically important:
- Expand the Empire State Child Credit to $1,500/child AND include the lowest-income families who do not currently receive the full credit because their incomes are too low.
- Create a statewide housing voucher program to help unsubsidized low-income New Yorkers afford rent and prevent housing instability/homelessness.
- Boost public assistance by increasing monthly cash assistance and fixing outdated eligibility rules.
- Expand SNAP benefits to all children, regardless of immigration status.
We urge Governor Hochul to adopt these recommendations to ensure New York State stays true to the goal of reducing child poverty and shows a long-term commitment to young children and their families.
Parents and families across New York State who have experienced the benefits of poverty reduction programs such as child tax credits are counting on it. Hear directly from one of them on our blog.