For Immediate Release:
December 19, 2024
Contact:
Rachel Noerdlinger, rnoerdlinger@actumllc.com
Jason Elan, jelan@actumllc.com
In a nation as wealthy as ours, no child should live in poverty. But today, 58% of families with children nationwide are economically insecure, according to a new report commissioned by FPWA. Many families are struggling just to afford the basics like housing, food, and child care, and none of these families have the resources needed to plan for the future or manage emergencies. Ultimately, children – and disproportionately children of color – are going without what they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
But yesterday, the Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council took an important step to advance economic justice in our state by voting to recommend a sweeping package of policies to invest in children and families and reduce poverty. These investments – which include increasing cash assistance substantially, which FPWA has long advocated for, as well as an expansion of food assistance, housing assistance, and the Empire State Child Credit – target both sides of the problem, reducing costs and more importantly working to put much-needed resources into families’ hands. These investments will also strengthen our economy, enhance public health, and foster safer communities. The policies prioritized by the Council are evidenced-based solutions that would provide direct cash and other supports to families and enhance the economic security of children all across our state. Now, we urge Governor Hochul and the State Legislature to make these recommendations a reality.
About The Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies (FPWA)
FPWA is a leading anti-poverty, social policy and advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening human services organizations and faith institutions, and advancing economic opportunity and justice for New Yorkers with low incomes. Since 1922, FPWA has driven groundbreaking policy reforms to better serve those in need. We work to dismantle the structural and systemic barriers that impede economic security and well-being, and strengthen the capacity of human services agencies and faith organizations so New Yorkers with lower incomes can thrive and live with dignity. Learn more at fpwa.org.
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