In September 2020, WCA began groundbreaking work with a statewide group of advocates to cut child poverty across New York State in half by 2030. Poverty has devastating short and long-term negative impacts on children regarding their well-being, access to opportunities, education, and health outcomes. The latest data from the 2019 U.S. Census estimates that over 20,000 Westchester children and 700,000 children across New York State (NYS) live at or below the federal poverty line. Tragically, emerging data this year from the United Hospital Fund shows the impacts of the pandemic have pushed an additional 14,000 Westchester children and 325,000 NYS children and counting into or near poverty.
The Child Poverty Reduction Core Group, spearheaded by Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy, features WCA and other child advocacy organizations whose goal is to motivate statewide progress to strategically and systematically reduce child poverty across New York State with special attention to racial inequities. Other participating organizations include the Children’s Defense Fund, Citizens Committee for Children of New York, The Education Trust – New York, The Children’s Agenda, Robin Hood Foundation, and the American Academy of Pediatrics in New York State.
NYS Senator Jessica Ramos and Assemblyman Harry Bronson kicked off this initiative for the new legislative session with a press conference in October 2020. WCA has already begun speaking with state lawmakers to support new legislation that will establish the Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council to develop a plan to cut New York’s child poverty rate in half over 10 years. The Council will explore expanding specific policies, making new recommendations with benchmarks and timelines, and releasing reports to make sure that New York meets its goal. In this especially difficult financial climate, this legislation also strives to prevent cuts to essential programs for children and families in order to make real strides towards creating a New York where no child experiences poverty.
You Can Help!
Click the image to send a message to your local and state legislators to support the Child Poverty Reduction Act and our other agenda items for the NYS 2021 Budget Advocacy Alert.
Subscribe to stay updated with our progress