WCA eBulletin #22 – New York State 2023 Budget has great potential for kids!

It is that time of year again as our New York State officials seek input from their residents on legislation, priorities, and concerns. Unlike others, children cannot vote or attend budget hearings.  So it is up to all of us to make sure their concerns are heard and addressed. We need your help!

This is a great opportunity. We are fortunate to have fewer financial restrictions compared to previous years through gains made in property taxes, federal funding through the American Rescue Plan, and Infrastructure spending.  That allows us to be strategic and bold in proposing social spending to improve children’s issues that have been ailing for too long.

Our time is  NOW!

On February 3rd Allison delivered a testimony to the Westchester Delegation for the NY Executive Budget.  As you read through it,  please consider how you might add your voice to one or more of the issues through an email, call, or social post to your legislator. WCA is committed to developing effective policies and solutions for children, especially for New York’s youngest and most vulnerable residents. We are focused on all 4 of our focus issues as well as many others you have heard us speak up for before.

Join us in spreading our agenda and lifting your voice in support!

 WCA Agenda for the 2022-23 New York State Budget

  • Child Poverty Reduction Act – New York signed this act into law in 2021 committing the state to cut child poverty rates in half by 2030 with attention paid to racial equity.
  • Child & Youth Homelessness – Ensure all children and families have adequate, safe, and stable housing
  • Youth Justice – Protect gains made in Raise The Age legislation and Pass the Solutions Not Suspensions Act
  • Early Child Supports & Home Visiting – Increase Home Visiting funding and Find legislative pathways to offer universal home visiting
  • Digital Access – Ensure every school-age child has access to adequate and affordable internet broadband, devices, and technical support year-round
  • Mental Health – Increase funding and access to mental health services for every child and youth in New York
  • Child Care, Afterschool, and Youth Development – Develop a model child care system that provides all New York families with access to quality, affordable child care and afterschool
  • Child Poverty – Expand the Child Tax Credit (CTC) to cover New York’s youngest residents
  • Child Welfare – Support $7.9 million in funding for the Fostering Youth Success Initiative (FYSI)

[ DOWNLOAD WCA’S WRITTEN TESTIMONY HERE]

See Allison’s testimony in a Facebook live recording. [Skip to 2:04:00]

WCA supports the 2022 agendas of many coalitions and partners, including CHAMPS NY, Child Care Council of Westchester, Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York, Fostering Youth Success Alliance, New York State Child Welfare Coalition, NY State Network for Youth Success, Prevent Child Abuse New York, Raise the Age NY Campaign, Schuyler Center for Analysis & Advocacy, Nonprofit Westchester and Westchester Women’s Agenda which include many of the priorities outlined above.

 

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