Resources

  New York Racial and Ethnic Impact Statement Requirement Organizational Sign-On Letter (October 2023)

We, the undersigned organizations committed to racial justice, health equity, child wellbeing, and economic mobility, write to you today urging you to take a bold step towards realizing racial equity in New York by requiring the incorporation of racial and ethnic impact statements into our State’s legislative and rule-making processes.

  LEVERAGING RACIAL IMPACT STATEMENTS TO ACHIEVE RACIAL EQUITY IN ALL POLICIES: NATIONAL CONTEXT (Updated October 2023)

Enacting new legislation and rules without first evaluating their potential to disproportionately impact communities of color only perpetuates these disparities. In the absence of racial impact assessment, legislation that “appears” race-neutral at face value can, in practice, adversely – and disparately – affect New York’s children and families of color.

  STATEMENT: Hochul Budget Must Expand Empire State Child Tax Credit to Better Support Families with Children and Reduce Racial Disparities in Child Poverty

As the cost of living continues to climb, Governor Hochul can make our state more affordable – while reducing New York’s stark racial disparities in child poverty – by putting cash into the hands of her constituents through a stronger Empire State Child Credit.

  MEDIA RELEASE: Elected Officials and Anti-Poverty, Health Care Access, Anti-Hunger, Education, and Faith-Based Groups Denounce House Speaker McCarthy’s Demands to Cut Safety Net Programs including Food Stamps & Medicaid as Part of Deal to Lift Federal Debt Ceiling

Wall Street, New York, April 17, 2023 — Elected Officials and leaders from anti-poverty, health access, anti-hunger, education, human services, and faith-based groups joined New Yorkers in protesting outside the New York Stock Exchange while House Speaker Kevin McCarthy delivered a speech outlining negotiating terms for lifting the federal debt ceiling.

  70-Organization Childhood Lead Poisoning Budget Investment Sign-On Letter | March 2023

We, the 70 undersigned faith-based, child advocacy, social justice, environmental health and justice advocacy, and philanthropic organizations, write to you to collectively implore you to make bold and critical investments towards combatting and ending the racial, environmental and moral crises of childhood lead exposure and poisoning in New York. As a co-founder and co-leader of Lead Free Kids New York, a growing statewide coalition of individuals, groups, and organizations working to end childhood lead exposure and poisoning in New York, the Children’s Defense Fund – New York (CDF-NY) stands alongside our partners in urging State Budget investments and policy solutions for childhood lead exposure in housing and other settings within marginalized communities.

  2023 CDF-NY Week of Action Digital Toolkit

The CDF-NY Week of Action Toolkit provides leaders like you with valuable resources to help promote the importance of advocating to our New York elected officials to pass a State budget that prioritizes marginalized children, youth, young adults, families and their communities in the areas of economic mobility, health equity, youth justice and child welfare.

  CDF-NY Testimony on the 2023 – 2024 New York State Housing Executive Budget

As a co-founder and leader of the statewide Lead Free Kids New York coalition and an organization whose policy priorities include such issues as economic mobility, child welfare, youth justice, and health equity – issues all rooted in poverty and which impacts child, youth, and family housing stability – the Children’s Defense Fund-New York (CDF-NY) appreciates the Senate Finance Committee and the Assembly Ways and Means Committee for the opportunity to submit testimony for this Joint Legislative Public Hearing to discuss the Executive Budget for Housing.

  Leveraging Racial & Ethnic Impact Statements to Achieve Racial Equity in All Policies & Rules: New York’s Communities of Color Have a Right to Full Justice & Equity

Our State must take a stand and lead the nation in only legislating policies that uplift, not harm, our most marginalized communities. Now is the time to lead the nation in embarking on the path to achieving equity in all policies.

  CDF-NY Memorandum in Support of S.277A / A.4022A: The Working Families Tax Credit

The Children’s Defense Fund¬ – New York (CDF¬-NY) strongly supports and respectfully urges passage of S. 277A (Gounardes) / A.4022A (Hevesi), which would combine and strengthen the Empire State Child Credit (ESCC) and State Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to create one more inclusive and generous Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC).

  CDF-NY Testimony on the 2023 – 2024 New York State Taxes Executive Budget

Children’s Defense Fund – New York (CDF-NY) thanks the chairs of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee for the opportunity to submit testimony on the 2023 – 2024 New York State Taxes Executive Budget Proposal.

  CDF-NY 2023-2024 Human Services Budget Testimony

Children’s Defense Fund – New York (CDF-NY) thanks the chairs of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee for the opportunity to submit testimony on the 2023 – 2024 New York State Human Services Executive Budget Proposal.

  PRESS RELEASE: In Celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, The Children’s Defense Fund – New York Calls for a Just State Budget that Centers Children, Youth and Families

Today, as a part of its celebration of the life and world-changing legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., renowned civil rights activist and one of the greatest nonviolent leaders in world history, the Children’s Defense Fund – New York (CDF-NY) releases its Fiscal Year 2023- 2024 Legislative and Budget Agenda, titled Prioritizing the Needs of Children, Youth and Families: New York State Budget and Legislative Priorities.

  Prioritizing the Needs of Children, Youth and Families: New York State Budget and Legislative Priorities FY 2023 – 2024

As communities of color continue to navigate the triple crises of COVID-19, inflation, and systemic oppression rooted in racism, our State elected officials must do what is just, which is to put New York on a strong path to a just equitable recovery by centering and prioritizing the needs of the youngest New Yorkers along with marginalized children, youth and families in the FY 2023-2024 Budget and Legislative Session in ways that center their physical and mental wellness and economic health, thereby enabling them to have joy and to thrive.

  Leveraging Racial & Ethnic Impact Statements To Achieve Racial Equity In All Policies: National Context

Enacting new legislation and rules without first evaluating their potential to disproportionately impact New York’s communities of color only perpetuates deep-rooted and systemic racial and […]

  CDFNY Child Tax Credit FAQs (Updated June 2022)

Families who received monthly Child Tax Credit payments last year can claim the remainder of their Credit either by using GetCTC.org or by filing a full tax return. Families who did not sign up for the CTC last year can still take action to receive their full Credit!

  CDFNY Ampliación del Crédito Tributario por Hijos (Actualizado junio 2022)

Las familias que recibieron pagos mensuales del CTC el año pasado pueden reclamar el resto de su Crédito usando GetCTC.org/es o presentando una declaración de impuestos completa. ¡Las familias que no se inscribieron en el CTC el año pasado aún pueden recibir un Crédito completo!

  Padres/Madres y Cuidadores: ¡No Es Demasiado Tarde para Reclamar Su Crédito Tributario por Hija/o/s! (Volante Español)

Si no ha hecho la declaración de renta para reclamar el Crédito Tributario por Hijo/a/s (CTC en inglés), ¡todavía hay tiempo!

  Parents & Caregivers: It’s Not Too Late to Claim Your Child Tax Credit! (English Flyer)

If you haven’t filed taxes to claim the Child Tax Credit (CTC), there’s still time!

  Letter to Governor Hochul from New York Faith Organizations: Empanel the Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council!

As faith-based organizations from across New York, we write to you to uplift the moral and human need for you to empanel the Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council with utmost urgency and to prioritize appointing to the council impacted youth and clergy leaders who serve in impacted communities.

  CDF-NY Memorandum in Support of S. 8438 / A. 9294: Continuous Medicaid Eligibility from Infancy to Three Years Old

The Children’s Defense Fund – New York (CDF-NY) strongly supports S. 8438
(Rivera) / A. 9294 (Gottfried), which would extend continuous Medicaid coverage of infants from up to one year to up to three years for families whose income does not exceed 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

  CDF-NY 2022 Final State Budget Response

Mired in last-minute negotiations to roll-back recent criminal justice reforms, including Raise the Age, the final State Budget is a disappointment for children, youth and families. While we cannot overlook important new investments in child care and health care for new mothers, the budget still failed to prioritize our children.

  SFY 2022-2023 Budget Priorities for Child Poverty Reduction

We urge New York State policymakers to act with intent to ensure crucial investments to reduce child poverty are included in the SFY 2022-23 Budget.

  Our New York Children’s Budget: A Community Vision for Prioritizing Our Children

New York can and must do better for our children, youth and families. This report is a blueprint for addressing the most pressing needs of New York children, and the Governor and the Legislature must adopt these proposals in the Fiscal Year 2022-23 budget to realize our bold vision rooted in making opportunities accessible, ending harm and transforming systems.

  CDF-NY Testimony | Joint Legislative Hearing on the 2022-2023 New York State Taxes Executive Budget

The Children’s Defense Fund – New York (CDF-NY) thanks the chairs of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Finance Committee for the opportunity to submit testimony on the 2022 – 2023 New York State Taxes Executive Budget Proposal.

  CDFNY Ampliación del Crédito Tributario por Hijos (2022)

Las familias que recibieron pagos mensuales del CTC el año pasado deben presentar sus impuestos del 2021 antes del 18 de abril del 2022 para recibir el resto de su Crédito. ¡Las familias que no se inscribieron en el CTC el año pasado aún pueden recibir un Crédito completo si presentan sus impuestos del 2021!

  CTC Outreach Flyer Jan. 2022 (8.5 × 11 in) (Spanish)

ATENCIÓN NUEVA YORK FAMILIAS CON HIJOS: ¡Declare Sus Impuestos del 2021 Para Asegurarse de Recibir Su Totalidad del Crédito Tributario por Hijos (CTC)!

  CDFNY Child Tax Credit FAQs (Updated January 2022)

Families who received monthly CTC payments last year must file their 2021 taxes by April 18th, 2022 to receive the remainder of their Credit. Families who did not sign up for the CTC last year can still receive a full Credit if they file their 2021 taxes!

  CDF-NY CTC Outreach Flyer Jan. 2022 (8.5 × 11 in)

ATTENTION NEW YORK FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN: File Your 2021 Taxes to Ensure You Receive Your Entire Child Tax Credit (CTC)!

  CDF-NY FY23 Human Services Budget Testimony

On behalf of the Children’s Defense Fund – New York (CDF), I thank Chairpersons Krueger and Weinstein for the opportunity to submit this testimony.

  PRESS RELEASE: In Celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, The Children’s Defense Fund – New York Releases Its 2022 Legislative and Budget Agenda

Today, as a part of its celebration of the life and world-changing legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., renowned civil rights activist and one of the greatest nonviolent leaders in world history, the Children’s Defense Fund – New York (CDF-NY) releases its Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Legislative and Budget Agenda, titled Prioritizing the Needs of Children, Youth and Families: New York State Budget and Legislative Priorities.

  PRESS RELEASE: To Continue the Legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), The Children’s Defense Fund – New York Demands the Expansion of Voting Rights for 16- and 17-Year-Olds

Today we commemorate the legacy of Dr. King by calling for the passage of NYS Senate Bill S366, which would lower the voting age in New York State to 16 years and require that students receive education in civics and be allowed to register to vote in the classroom, and for the passage of H.J.Res.23, which would lower the voting age in America to 16 years old.

  Prioritizing the Needs of Children, Youth and Families: New York State Budget and Legislative Priorities (FY 2022-2023)

As our communities continue to navigate the COVID crisis across New York State, we must seize this moment to center the needs of the youngest New Yorkers and to build a bold new vision for marginalized children, youth and families to thrive.

  Press Release | The Children’s Defense Fund – New York joins Beat the Odds ® Scholars & Youth Advocates, Families, and Child Advocacy Organizations in Urging the Senate to Save the Child Tax Credit

The Children’s Defense Fund – New York stands alongside its Beat the Odds ® Scholars & Youth Advocates, New York families, and its partner child advocacy organizations in urging the Senate to immediately pass the Build Back Better Act so that families will continue to receive the transformational expanded monthly Child Tax Credit payments.

  Press Release | CDF-NY Celebrates the Signing of the Child Poverty Reduction Act!

Today, the Children’s Defense Fund – New York (CDF-NY) celebrates Governor Hochul’s recent signing of the Child Poverty Reduction Act (S.2755C/A.1160C) into law. This critical legislation, sponsored by Senator Jessica Ramos and Assemblymember Harry Bronson, lays a strong foundation towards ending child poverty in New York.

  CDF-NY Sign-On Letter to Reduce Child Poverty in Build Back Better Act (with Signatures)

As faith-based and child advocacy organizations from across New York, we write to you today to thank you for your strong leadership in bringing about the American Rescue Plan’s transformational expanded Child Tax Credit (CTC) – and to implore you to continue to center the needs of New York’s marginalized children and families by making the expanded CTC permanent, fully inclusive of all immigrant children and fully refundable in the final Build Back Better Act. Additionally, we ask that you support a final version of the Build Back Better Act that includes paid family and medical leave.

  CDFNY Ampliación del Crédito Tributario por Hijos (Noviembre de 2021)

El Crédito Tributario por Hijos es un beneficio de ayuda a las familias para poder pagar los gastos diarios de la crianza de los hijos.

  CDFNY Child Tax Credit FAQs (Updated November 2021)

Sign up to receive monthly Child Tax Credit payments via the CTC Non-Filer Sign-Up Tool before it closes on November 15th!

  Centering Youth Voices at New York City’s Polls: 2021 Voter Issue Guide

As New Yorkers cast their ballots this Fall, supporting policies and platforms that prioritize child, youth and family wellbeing is critical. #VoteBecause the needs of the youngest New Yorkers and their families must be centered on Election Day – and every day.

  CDF-NY Children’s Sabbaths ® 2021 Call to Action

On this 30th Annual National Observance of Children’s Sabbaths ® Celebration, the Children’s Defense Fund – New York (CDF-NY) urges you to take action for our State’s most vulnerable children and families.

  The Child Poverty Reduction Act Passed – Action Needed!

The Children’s Defense Fund – New York (CDF-NY) urges Governor Hochul to immediately sign and enact the Child Poverty Reduction Act (S. 2755C Ramos / A. 1160C Bronson).

  ‘Share Your Child Tax Credit Story’ Flyer

The Children’s Defense Fund – New York would love to hear about the impact monthly Child Tax Credit payments are having in YOUR family’s life. Record and Submit a Video to Share Your Child Tax Credit Story!

  CDFNY Child Tax Credit FAQs (Updated July 2021)

The American Rescue Plan significantly expands the Child Tax Credit for one year and delivers cash payments to many New York families with children.

  2021 Legislative Session Report Card

With the conclusion of the 2021 Legislative Session, we pause to take stock of progress for New York’s children and families, celebrate our victories and assess where further advocacy is needed to level the playing field for the youngest New Yorkers.

  Child Poverty in Yates County

  Child Poverty in Wyoming County

  Child Poverty in Westchester County

  Child Poverty in Wayne County

  Child Poverty in Washington County

  Child Poverty in Warren County

  Child Poverty in Ulster County

  Child Poverty in Tompkins County

  Child Poverty in Tioga County

  Child Poverty in Sullivan County

  Child Poverty in Suffolk County

  Child Poverty in Steuben County

  Child Poverty in St. Lawrence County

  Child Poverty in Seneca County

  Child Poverty in Schuyler County

  Child Poverty in Schoharie County

  Child Poverty in Schenectady County

  Child Poverty in Saratoga County

  Child Poverty in Rockland County

  Child Poverty in Richmond County

  Child Poverty in Rensselaer County

  Child Poverty in Queens County

  Child Poverty in Putnam County

  Child Poverty in Otsego County

  Child Poverty in Oswego County

  Child Poverty in Orleans County

  Child Poverty in Orange County

  Child Poverty in Ontario County

  Child Poverty in Onondaga County

  Child Poverty in Oneida County

  Child Poverty in Niagara County

  Child Poverty in New York County

  Child Poverty in Nassau County

  Child Poverty in Montgomery County

  Child Poverty in Monroe County

  CDFNY Ampliación del Crédito Tributario por Hijos

  Child Poverty in Madison County

  Child Poverty in Livingston County

  Child Poverty in Lewis County

  Child Poverty in Kings County

  Child Poverty in Jefferson County

  Child Poverty in Herkimer County

  Child Poverty in Hamilton County

  Child Poverty in Greene County

  Child Poverty in Genesee County

  Child Poverty in Fulton County

  Child Poverty in Franklin County

  Child Poverty in Essex County

  Child Poverty in Erie County

  Child Poverty in Dutchess County

  Child Poverty in Delaware County

  Child Poverty in Columbia County

  Child Poverty in Clinton County

  Child Poverty in Chenango County

  Child Poverty in Chemung County

  Child Poverty in Chautauqua County

  Child Poverty in Cayuga County

  Child Poverty in Cattaraugus County

  Child Poverty in Broome County

  Child Poverty in Bronx County

  Child Poverty in Allegany County

  Child Poverty in Albany County

  The Expanded Child Tax Credit (CTC): What New York Families Need to Know

To receive the expanded Child Tax Credit, it is extremely important that New York families file their 2020 tax returns by May 17th – even if they have no income or have never filed taxes before.

  Letter from Child, Immigrant and Poverty Advocates Urging Empire State Child Credit Expansion

We urge the State to include language in the 2021-22 Budget ensuring New York children who are left out of the American Rescue Plan’s child tax credit expansion receive a meaningful State child credit this year.

  Response to the Governor’s Proposed FY 2022 Executive Budget

Last spring and summer, 4,200 New York children lost a parent or guardian to COVID-19 — that’s one out of every 1,000 of our State’s […]

  CDF-NY 2021-2022 Legislative and Budget Priorities

The Children’s Defense Fund-New York seeks to ensure that children are centered in all budget and legislation decisions, with a particular emphasis on racial impact, […]

  Bringing New York Children’s Voices to the Polls: 2020 Voter Issue Guide

As New Yorkers cast their ballots this Fall, protecting the programs and policies that impact our children, youth and families is critical. We urge New […]

  New Census Data Shows Black Children in New York Being Left Further Behind; New York’s Child Poverty Ranking Drops 3 Spots to 35th out of 50 States

Poverty in New York continues to disproportionately impact children of color, with 27.7% of all Black children and 24.8% of all Hispanic children living in […]

  Protecting Children in the Budget – Joint Letter to NYS Leadership

We ask NYS leadership to center children and families in their priorities and commit to protect essential programs that promote health, well-being, resilience, family stability, […]

  Yonkers Summer Meals Fact Sheet

Yonkers summer meals fact sheet.

  White Plains Summer Meals Fact Sheet

White Plains summer meals fact sheet.

  Westchester County Summer Meals Fact Sheet

Westchester County summer meals fact sheet.

  New Rochelle Summer Meals Fact Sheet

New Rochelle summer meals fact sheet.

  Mount Vernon Summer Meals Fact Sheet

Mount Vernon summer meal fact sheet.

  Policy Brief: HEROES Act

The Children’s Defense Fund-New York urges members of Congress to support the HEROES Act to help children and families struggling with food insecurity and unemployment brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

  CDF-NY Priorities in the New York State FY2021 Final Budget

Children’s Defense Fund – New York (CDF-NY) examined the budget’s impacts on children and families, with attention to on child welfare and family wellbeing, economic […]

  New York State Budget Embraces Some Reforms But Fails to Invest In Child and Family Well-Being

The Children’s Defense Fund-New York applauds the leadership in Albany for important reforms in youth justice and child welfare, but we are deeply disappointed with […]

  Health and Economic Justice Responses to New York’s COVID-19 Crisis

Our health care system is being pushed beyond its limits. Our fragmented payment and delivery systems are ill-suited to respond to the crisis and are […]

  CDF-NY 2020-2021 State Budget and Legislative Priorities

The Children’s Defense Fund-New York  provides our 2020-2021 State Budget and Legislative Priorities.

  Over 743,000 Children Living in Poverty in New York, Ranking New York 34th out of the 50 States

In 2018, 11.9 million children nationally, or 16.2% of all children, were living in poverty. While New York experienced a small decline in child poverty […]

  CDF-NY Priorities in the New York State FY 2020 Final Budget

On April 1, 2019, the New York Legislature adopted the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 final state budget. The final budget includes $175.5 billion in spending. […]

  Public Comments to SNAP Proposed Rule for ABAWDs

The Children’s Defense Fund-New York would like to take this the opportunity to comment in opposition to USDA’s Proposed Rulemaking on SNAP requirements and services […]

  CDF-NY Response to the Governor’s FY 2020 Executive Budget

On Tuesday January 15, 2019, Governor Cuomo gave his 2019 State of the State address outlining his “Justice Agenda” and releasing his Executive Budget for […]

  CDF-NY 2019-20 State Legislative and Budget Priorities

CDF-NY advances policy priorities that invest in children’s health and well-being, reduce youth contact with the criminal justice and child welfare systems, and promote safe […]

  CDF-NY Comments in Response to Proposed Rulemaking: Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds

  2018 Election Guide: New York’s Children

Having the basic necessities of life such as nutritious meals and financial security is a universal human right and something all people concerned with the well-being of children should work to secure.

  2018 House Farm Bill Calls for Stricter Work Requirements to Maintain SNAP Eligibility: What does this mean for New York State’s Children and Families?

The 2014 Farm Bill is set to expire on September 30, 2018. The House’s proposed 2018 Farm Bill was rejected by Congress on May 18, […]

  The Senate 2018 Farm Bill Aims to Improve SNAP Benefits

Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow released the Senate Farm Bill on June 8, 2018. The Bill includes a bipartisan […]

  The Executive Budget Disproportionately Targets Low-Income Children: Legislators Need to Protect Them

A partnership between the Children’s Defense Fund- NY, the Schuyler Center, the Citizens’ Committee for Children, The Children’s Agenda, and Westchester Children’s Association to alert […]

  Terminating Temporary Protected Status: What Does it Mean for Children and Families?

The future of Temporary Protected Status (“TPS”) designation for Haiti, Honduras and Nicaragua is now at stake, as these countries will phase out of their […]

  House’s Budget Resolution Does Not Prioritize America’s Vulnerable Populations

In New York, these budget cuts would deprive disadvantaged children and adults of basic necessities and push them deeper into poverty.