Governor Hochul’s Proposed Expansion of the Empire State Child Credit-A Step in the Right Direction to Permanently End Child Poverty. 

by Allison Lake, Executive Director of WCA and member of the Governor’s Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council (CPRAC)

Childhood poverty is a silent crisis affecting families across New York State and here in Westchester County. Despite being one of the wealthiest counties in the nation, Westchester’s prosperity belies the struggles of many families who face daily challenges in securing basic necessities such as housing, food and clothing. It is time to shed brighter light on this issue and take decisive action to address the growing needs of our children. 

On January 6, 2025, Governor Hochul proposed an expansion of the Empire State Child Credit. This is a major win in our advocacy efforts to cut child poverty in half by 2032. In the Governor’s proposal: 

1. For parents with children under the age of 4, the tax credit will be increased to $1,000 per child per year. 
2. For parents with children above 4 years old, the credit will be increased to $500 per child per year. 
3. The ‘phase-in’ eligibility restrictions will be removed, meaning benefits will be easier to access for our lowest income families.

Experts estimate that by making these expansions we could slash New York’s child poverty rate by nearly 35%, offering families a lifeline and giving children a fairer shot at a brighter future. Nearly 1 in 5 New York children live in poverty, and the rate is even higher for people of color. 
A recent report by the Westchester Children’s Association, WCA, underscores the urgency of this problem. The WCA’s innovative Poverty Pulse tool provides real-time insights into the economic challenges families face, highlighting an uncomfortable truth: traditional poverty statistics often fail to capture the full scope of need in our communities. While census data on child poverty is released nearly a year after collection, families cannot wait for delayed responses. Children in poverty suffer the immediate consequences of limited opportunities, poor health outcomes and educational disadvantages. 
The findings of the Poverty Pulse, which was formally presented at a WCA event on November 20th , reveal a stark reality for many Westchester families. Local organizations like Feeding Westchester and The Sharing Shelf report surging demands for food and clothing assistance. These numbers are not just statistics — they represent children and families struggling to find stability and security in an unpredictable economy. 
The broader picture is just as concerning. According to a report from the National Center for Children in Poverty, childhood poverty in New York State remains stubbornly high, even as federal programs like the expanded Child Tax Credit have shown their potential to lift millions of children out of poverty. New York has one of the largest economies in the world, but 18% of children in the state experience poverty — more than in 32 other states according to the state comptroller’s office. 
Addressing childhood poverty is not just a moral imperative, it is an investment in the future of our communities. Every dollar spent on alleviating poverty has a ripple effect, reducing reliance on social services, improving educational outcomes, and strengthening the workforce. When we invest in children, we invest in a stronger, healthier society for everyone.  
It is imperative to work towards passing Governor Hochul’s proposed expansion of the Empire State Child Credit. We would also like to see action on the state level of more support for affordable housing including voucher options and public benefit reforms. If we don’t act now, with boldness and urgency, the long-term implications for today’s children and societal costs will be severe. Together, we can break the cycle of poverty, ensuring every child in New York and Westchester County has the chance to thrive.