ADVOCACY ALERTS

WCA Current State Budget Priorities:

Child Poverty:

In Westchester, one in ten live in poverty and almost one in five live in poverty in New York Sate. To address this, we must invest in policies that permanently lift families out of poverty, reduce racial inequities, and ensure all children have access to economic security, permanent housing, and nutrition support.

Youth Well-Being:

New York’s youth face significant challenges in mental health and child welfare. Increased investments in behavioral health services, school-based clinics, and community programs are needed to address these issues and improve access to care.

Youth Justice:

Reforming the youth justice system is crucial, with a focus on rehabilitation over incarceration. Establishing funding for community-based services and passing key youth justice legislation are vital steps toward creating a fairer justice system for youth across New York State. 

Child & Youth Homelessness:

To reduce homelessness among children and families, it’s essential to ensure secure, affordable housing. Actions like passing the Statewide Right to Counsel and eliminating rental charges in homeless shelters are critical in addressing this issue.

Childhood Support:.

To tackle the issues surrounding early childhood education and childcare access, New York must strengthen its workforce, increase funding for affordable childcare, and ensure that low-income families have access to the support and resources needed for their children’s success.