The FY 2026 Executive Budget introduces significant investments aimed at strengthening the foundation for New York’s children, youth and families. We appreciate Governor Hochul’s commitment to supporting young people across the state through critical funding in areas like economic security, child care, nutrition, mental health, and youth justice. These investments represent meaningful progress, but there is still more work to be done to ensure all children and families have the resources they need to thrive. By continuing to push for comprehensive and equitable policies, we can build on these efforts to create lasting improvements for youth across New York State.

A central proposal in this budget is the expansion of the Child Tax Credit. To better support the lowest-income families, the budget removes the minimum income phase-in, ensuring that all eligible families receive the full credit. Additionally, maximum credit amounts will increase—children under age four will receive $1,000 per year (up from $300), while children aged 4-16 will receive $500 per year (up from $330) starting in 2026. However, this expansion is currently proposed only through FY 2028, making its long-term sustainability a point of focus for future advocacy efforts. Notably, the proposal does not include any modifications to the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), leaving childless adults aged 18 to 25 and tax filers using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) without access to this crucial financial support.

Addressing food insecurity remains a top priority, and the Executive Budget makes a bold commitment to expanding universal free school meals. With a $340 million investment the program will provide free breakfast and lunch to all students, regardless of family income. This expansion is expected to benefit an additional 280,000 students in nearly 600 schools, helping to ensure that no child goes hungry during the school day.

To further combat food insecurity, the budget proposes a streamlined approach to nutrition assistance by implementing data-matching between SNAP and WIC. By identifying families eligible for both programs and facilitating their enrollment, the state aims to help more households afford groceries and improve health outcomes for young children.

Recognizing the financial challenges that come with welcoming a new child, the budget introduces the Birth Allowance for Beginning Year (BABY) Benefit. This initiative will provide expecting parents with $100 per month during pregnancy, followed by a $1,200 lump sum at birth. By easing the financial burden of early childhood expenses, this program aims to give newborns a stronger start in life.

As child care remains a critical focus, the Executive Budget allocates $1.8 billion in resources for child care assistance. Specifically, the budget allocates $100 million in capital grants to support child care centers. This funding aims to expand access to child care, particularly in underserved areas with the greatest need. Additionally, $10 million in federal funds will support repairs for family-based child care providers assuring that more families have access to safe, high-quality child care options.

As highlighted in the Executive Budget, the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) will use a new investment of $1.5 million to broaden its Teen Mental Health First Aid program. This funding will support the training of both teens and adults working with teens to recognize, understand, and respond to mental health and substance use issues. The program will also focus on addressing the effects of bullying and school violence, ensuring that individuals are equipped with the knowledge and skills to promote youth wellbeing and effectively manage mental health challenges.

Beyond economic, nutritional, and mental health support, the budget reinforces New York’s commitment to youth justice through continued investment in Raise the Age initiatives. A $250 million allocation, along with an additional $985 million in reappropriated funds, will support rehabilitative programs for justice-involved youth. These resources ensure that young people receive appropriate care and intervention rather than being placed in adult correctional facilities, fostering better outcomes for both individuals and communities.

While the FY 2026 Executive Budget makes notable investments in children, youth, and families, it does not go far enough. Budget proposals are only as strong as the advocacy that follows. Ensuring policies are not just proposed but fully implemented, expanded, and sustained requires the work of all of us. We cannot allow incremental change to be mistaken for true equity and progress. Click here to support WCA’s full state budget agenda . Advocacy is not a choice; it is a responsibility. The future of New York’s children depends on our unwavering commitment to holding policymakers accountable and pushing for bold, transformative change.