Governor Kathy Hochul of New York State has taken a significant step towards reducing childhood poverty with the expansion of the Child Tax Credit. This move has been met with praise from various organizations and leaders who recognize the importance of addressing economic challenges facing families in the state.
Barbara C. Guinn, the Commissioner of the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, emphasized the positive impact that reducing childhood poverty can have on families. She highlighted the link between poverty and physical and mental health, as well as educational and employment outcomes for children. By increasing the Child Tax Credit to $1,000 or $500 per child, Governor Hochul’s initiative aims to provide much-needed financial support to families struggling to make ends meet.
Acting Commissioner Amanda Hiller of the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance also commended the expansion of the Child Tax Credit, recognizing it as a proven way to support New York families. The Empire State Child Credit has been instrumental in lifting children out of poverty, and this expansion will further enhance its impact.
Melinda Person, President of the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT), emphasized the importance of combating childhood poverty to ensure that children have the opportunity to reach their full potential. By expanding the Empire State Tax Credit, Governor Hochul is taking a proactive step towards addressing the challenges faced by working families in the state.
Richard R. Buery Jr, CEO of Robin Hood, highlighted the affordability crisis facing families in New York State, particularly those living below the federal poverty line. With one in five children in the state living in poverty, Governor Hochul’s expansion of the Child Tax Credit is a crucial intervention to support low-income and middle-class families. By increasing the tax credit for infants and toddlers and older children, more families will receive financial assistance, helping to alleviate hardship and improve economic stability.
Kate Breslin, President and CEO of the Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy, praised Governor Hochul’s commitment to cutting child poverty in half by 2031. The proposal to improve New York’s child tax credit by making it available to children in very low-income families and increasing its value is a significant step towards achieving this goal. By investing in child poverty solutions, Governor Hochul is making a policy choice that will benefit hundreds of thousands of families across the state.
In addition to the expansion of the Child Tax Credit, Governor Hochul’s proposal to send Inflation Refund checks of up to $500 to about 15 million New Yorkers statewide is another initiative aimed at addressing the impacts of inflation following the COVID-19 pandemic. These measures demonstrate Governor Hochul’s commitment to supporting families in New York State and tackling economic challenges head-on.
Overall, Governor Hochul’s efforts to reduce childhood poverty and provide financial support to families in need have been met with widespread acclaim. By expanding the Child Tax Credit and implementing other initiatives to address economic challenges, Governor Hochul is taking concrete actions to improve the lives of New Yorkers and build a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
