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Rochester & Child Poverty: What Can We Do?

Poverty is a deep seated, systemic issue in Rochester, NY, with a rate of approximately 28%; this is compounded by affecting Black and Brown Rochesterians at higher rates, reflecting an ongoing problem of socioeconomic opportunity and segregation in Monroe County.

However, it’s Rochester’s Children most affected by this disparity. While New York State already has a high rate of child poverty, Rochester stands as an unfortunate leader in this statistic, with a rate over 40%. Child poverty increases the likelihood of multiple chronic health issues, like asthma or lead poisoning, while reducing educational and social mobility opportunities.

Yet there is hope; According to The Rochester Monroe Anti-Poverty Initiative (RMAPI), the child poverty rate since 2010 has fallen from 51% to its current rate of 40%. Now, new recommendations from the Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council have brought a renewed focus to this problem. With a statewide effort to reduce child poverty by 50% by 2031, these recommendations are a guideline for improving the outcome of our children and reducing generational poverty.

These guidelines are focused on:

  • Increasing the Empire State Child Credit to $1,500 for children from birth to age 17
  • Creating a New York State Housing Voucher Program for income-eligible households
  • Increasing public assistance basic allowance
  • Reforming to public assistance eligibility rules to increase accessibility
  • Expanding state food benefits for families with children

What’s been done so far? Within the last month we’ve seen progress, both in our city and state:

  • On December 18th, Good Cause Eviction passed in Rochester, which will increase housing stability for those most at risk of insecurity of their basic needs. “I am proud of this body for ushering in legislation that will protect 64% of residents who rent throughout our city,” said City Council President Miguel Meléndez. “This is particularly important in communities within our city who have often been marginalized, specifically in the area of access to quality, affordable and stable housing.”
  • On January 6th, Governor Hochul announced a proposal to expand the child tax credit. Currently at 330 dollars per child, this would rise to $500 for children 4-16, and $1000 for children aged 3 and under. This average increase of $420 could put nearly 75 million more dollars into the pockets of the 180,000 affected residents within the Finger Lakes.
  • On January 10th, Governor Hochul proposed universal free school breakfast and lunch for all students. This is expected to save families an average of over 150 dollars per month, and guarantees a nutritious meal to every school age child in New York State.

Efforts such as these, as well as the noted decrease in Child Poverty recorded by RMAPI, show progress. Yet there is so much to be done. That’s where advocacy groups like The Children’s Agenda (TCA), and you, come into the picture. We need the voices of those most affected by poverty, and those who most benefit from the programs and plans above, to raise their voices.

According to a January 8th article from The Atlantic, a new study shows that American child poverty is pervasive, and leads to adulthood poverty, with few escaping. This cycle of generational poverty is compounding, and our lack of social safety nets and insufficient government support is pointed to as the culprit.

That’s why we need advocates: we need parents and leaders, just like you, to add your voice to the chorus saying that no, childhood poverty must end. We cannot be one of the richest states in the nation, in the richest nation in the world, and watch as we fail our children again and again.

I’m a parent leader myself, whose childhood in Rochester was shaped by poverty. Now I’m trying to be part of the solution in ending this generational cycle; That’s what inspired me to become a Very Invested Parent with The Children’s Agenda. Do you want to get involved? Please, join our upcoming Child Poverty Working Group. Become a VIP through TCA. Come to Albany with us and advocate directly; let them hear us say “Support our children and end child poverty!”

 

To learn more about becoming a Very Invested Parent advocate with The Children’s Agenda, please email carmen@thechildrensagenda.org.

To learn more about The Children’s Agenda’s work on child poverty, please visit: Child Poverty – The Children’s Agenda

Jason DeLooze was raised in poverty in Rochester, NY. He is a single father of 2 in RCSD, and a parent leader and equity advocate. He works as Lead Farmer at Volunteers of America and is involved with many community gardens. A Cornell Climate Steward and Master Gardener, he helps his community grow as Ambassador of Cohort 12, Parent Leadership Training Institute.