For our state, for our schools and for our children, we need to fix this.

It's an economic necessity, and a moral imperative.

Simple Policies That Can Make a Huge Difference

Economic Security

Working Families Tax Credit (Gounardes/ A Hevesi)

The executive budget includes an expansion of the child tax credit of up to $1,000 per child under age four and up to $500 per child from four through sixteen. This is an increase from the current credit which is valued at $330. Streamlines the state Earned Income Tax Credit and the Empire State Child Tax Credit.

Eliminates the phase–in, allowing the lowest income families to receive the largest credit. Increases the maximum credit to $1,500 per child and provides a $500 per child regardless of income. Credit will be paid out quarterly – four payments per year rather than one lump sum. It is estimated that the NYS WFTC will result in a 13.4% reduction in children under the age of 18 living in poverty, with a 19.6% reduction for those under 18 living in deep poverty.

Mothers and Lasting Change (MILC) (Ramos/Clark)

The executive budget creates a new program to provide a birth allowance to low-income parents during pregnancy and at-birth. The program, called the New York State BABY (Birth Allowance for Beginning Year) Benefit, which would provide $100 per month during pregnancy and a $1,200 benefit at birth for New Yorkers who receive public assistance.

Creates a pilot program to provide monthly subsidies for low-income pregnant mothers starting during the last three months of pregnancy and lasting through the first 18 months of the child’s life. The payment goes down to $500 for another nine months. They receive 21 monthly payments in all. The bill creates a pilot program allotting payments for 15,000 pregnant women. The total cost per recipient for 21 months of payments is $16,500.

Housing

Housing is more than just a roof over our heads; it’s the foundation of stability and well–being for individuals and families. In New York, the challenge of affordable housing is a critical barrier that exacerbates poverty and hinders our collective progress. Our campaign recognizes the urgency of addressing the housing crisis as a key component in our mission to alleviate poverty across the state. Our vision for New York is one where every resident has access to safe, affordable housing. This is not just a matter of social justice; it’s an economic imperative.

Food

Access to nutritious meals is not a luxury but a basic need that greatly influences a child’s ability to learn and thrive in school. Every student without this assurance is at a disadvantage, both academically and health–wise. By ensuring that every child has access to free school meals, we are not just feeding bodies; we are nurturing minds and providing equal opportunities for all students to succeed.

Universal School Meals

The governor’s budget proposes $340 million to establish Universal Free School Meals, ensuring all New York students can eat school breakfast and lunch at no charge, regardless of income or school, beginning in 2025-26. This would expand the current program to the remaining school districts in the state that do not currently have programming, to nearly 600 more schools, providing free meals to an additional 280,000 students. This has been a multiyear effort to reach full funding. The 2024-25 state budget included $145.6 million to expand free school meals, building on an initial investment of $134.6 million in 2023-24.

Healthcare

Healthcare is a fundamental human right, and its availability and affordability are pivotal to the well–being of our communities in New York. Our campaign is dedicated to transforming the healthcare landscape in New York, ensuring it is a right enjoyed by all, not a privilege for the few.

Community Schools

The community school model provides wrap–around services for students and families. It makes the school a critical center of community life. Schools and communities grow stronger as a result. Community School Funding: We are asking for $100 million in categorical funding to almost double the number of community schools in NYS.

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