On December 18th, 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul’s Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council (CPRAC)—of which Westchester Children’s Association’s Executive Director, Allison Lake, is a proud member—released a comprehensive set of recommendations designed to help New York State cut child poverty in half over the next decade. This milestone report represents years of research, collaboration, and community engagement, and it outlines a series of policy actions that would significantly strengthen economic stability for children and families across the state.
The CPRAC recommendations focus on evidence‑based strategies that address the root causes of child poverty, including income insecurity, housing instability, and limited access to essential services. These proposals urge the Governor to incorporate key measures into the FY 2026 New York State budget, ensuring that child well‑being remains a top statewide priority. By adopting these recommendations, New York can take meaningful steps toward creating a more equitable future for all children—regardless of race, background, or zip code.
Among the most impactful recommendations is a call to increase New York’s Empire State Child Credit. The proposal suggests raising the maximum credit to $1,500 per child per year, a substantial increase from the current $330. Expanding eligibility for this credit would provide direct financial relief to families and serve as a cornerstone of the state’s broader Child Poverty Reduction strategy.
The Council also recommends the creation of a statewide housing voucher program, recognizing that stable housing is essential for children’s health, safety, and long‑term development. Expanding access to affordable housing is a critical component of reducing child poverty and preventing family homelessness.
Additional recommendations include raising public assistance benefits, which have not been adjusted for inflation in more than a decade, and ensuring that food assistance programs remain accessible to all families who need them. Strengthening these supports would help close gaps in basic needs and improve overall family stability.
Together, these recommendations offer a clear, actionable roadmap for reducing child poverty and improving outcomes for young people across New York State.
Allison Lake was also quoted in a Times Union article on the CPRAC recommendations, which is available to read here. In summary, Child Poverty Reduction remains a priority for CPRAC.
