Subject:

Tell Lawmakers to Reduce Child Poverty in New York NOW.

Dear Legislator,

As a constituent who strongly believes that poverty is not inevitable, I support the continued investment in state policies that help lift people directly out of poverty. Simple economic, housing, food and school policy changes will make a significant impact in helping families, children and schools.

New York's child poverty rate exceeds that of the United Sates as a whole. New York is one of the wealthiest regions in the world — a global leader in industry, finance and innovation. Yet, 1-in-5 children here live in poverty. The high rate of childhood poverty does not just affect poor families and children; it affects entire communities. We have the ability and the means to end child poverty in New York.

As such, I urge you to support the following items for inclusion in the enacted budget, which would expand community schools, universal school meals, working families tax credits and the birth allowance:

• Direct $100 million of categorical aid to potentially double the number of community schools and hire a community school director. Community schools are vital hubs connecting schools, service providers and local organizations to address both immediate needs and systemic challenges.
• Address our students' basic needs by passing the governor's proposal for universal school meals. More than 700,000 children enter our classrooms every day with the burdens of homelessness, unaddressed health concerns, lack of basic hygiene products and the stigma and stress surrounding a life of poverty. If children are worried about survival, they will be unable to learn.
• Enhance the Empire State Child Tax Credit to provide a refundable credit of $1,000 for each qualifying child under the age of four in tax years 2025, 2026 and 2027.
• Establish the Birth Allowance for Beginning Year (BABY) Benefit that will provide support for New Yorkers who receive public assistance throughout pregnancy and an additional $1,200 benefit payment at birth.

Thank you for your consideration of these important budget requests. I respectfully ask that you bring up these issues with your conference and I would greatly appreciate a response to this letter.

Sincerely, 

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