January 14th, 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul delivered her 2025 State of the State address, announcing her budgetary goals for the upcoming year. “Your family is my fight,” a slogan repeated by the Governor throughout her speech, set the tone for her agenda which will focus on putting “money back in the pockets” of families and individuals across New York state.
Her plan to tackle the growing affordability crises faced by New Yorkers revolves around delivering various tax credits and other direct support and programs for families and children. Her proposals are as follows:
- -Expansions to the Empire State Child Tax Credit. These were previously announced at a press conference attended by WCA’s Executive Director, Allison Lake. A breakdown of these expansions can be found here.
- -A “middle-class tax cut” which would lower taxes for more than 8.3 million New Yorkers making under $323,000 in income.
- -A one-time “inflation refund” of $300 to individuals, and $500 to families.
- -Universal school meals – free breakfast and lunch for all students in New York public schools.
- -A plan for New York State to gradually establish a system of universal childcare.
- -And other supports for families and children in the state.
Read an in-depth breakdown of the Governor’s proposals here!
These expansions would not have been possible without the incredible advocacy of the Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council (CPRAC), of which WCA’s Executive Director, Allison Lake, is a member. Thanks in no small part to their recommendations and discussions with the Governor, policies such as the expansion to the Child Tax Credit have become an official proposal of the Governor’s agenda.
Westchester Children’s Association thanks the Governor and the members of CPRAC for making these support and credits for families a priority for this year and beyond! We look forward to the work ahead of ensuring these proposals become reality.
Click here to see WCA Executive Director, Allison Lake’s reaction to the 2025 State of the State!
