End Child Poverty
in New York State
Black, Brown and other children of color have the highest poverty rates in NYS.
There are proven ways to cut child poverty rates. In NYS and across the country, pandemic era funding for families cut poverty rates in half.
About 1 in 5 children in New York State lives in poverty.
“Poverty impedes the healthy development and well-being of children. Approximately one out of every five children in New York State lives in poverty with Black, Brown, and other marginalized children suffering the highest rates. The Governor and legislature must do what’s right on behalf of children: implement policies and programs to abolish child poverty. We know better. It’s time to do better.” Statement from Yomika S. Bennett, President & CEO Black Child Development Institute – New York State
NYS Comptroller
Thomas P. DiNapoli
“New York State's child poverty rate is one of the worst in the nation."
"...poverty rates are significantly higher in some of
New York’s largest cities (Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, New York City and Yonkers)."
New York Can End Child Poverty Coalition (newyorkcan.org)
"Allowing millions of New Yorkers to experience poverty, among them hundreds of thousands of children (with children of color disproportionately represented), is a policy choice. "
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On December 18, 2024 the Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council (CPRAC) issued a report. In the report, CPRAC made recommendations to reduce child poverty in NYS by 50% by December 2031. (Read the report here)
What You Can Do
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Contact your local state assembly and senate representatives and Governor Hochul to let them know that you want New York State to take action to reduce child poverty! Not sure who represents you in the assembly and senate or how to contact the governor? (learn who they & how to contact them here)
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Stay up to date with the work of the Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council (CPRAC). Their job is to recommend to the Governor, NYS Senate, and NYS Assembly ways to reduce child poverty by 50% by December 2031. Learn more here.
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Register for our Raise Your Voice workshops to learn more about the issues and how to advocate for yourself, your family, and your community. Sign up here.