New York’s Empire State Child Credit, introduced in 2006, has significant flaws that limit its effectiveness in reducing poverty, particularly for Black and Latino children and families. By restricting tax credit support for both the poorest households, as well as those with moderate incomes, families statewide have struggled to meet basic needs.

Investments in families are linked to improved outcomes for children in all aspects of well-being, including health, education, and future earnings. This expansion of the Empire State Child Credit is a meaningful step toward achieving the goal established by the Child Poverty Reduction Act: cutting NY’s child poverty rate in half by the end of 2031. An estimated 1.6 million families statewide will benefit.