We have a chance to use federal resources to rebuild the systems that failed children before and during the COVID-19 crisis, to make them stronger and more integrated than they’ve ever been. We hope New York State acts on the hard lessons learned during the pandemic by investing in affordable high-quality early learning, developmental services, income supports, and other strategies – at scale to fully meet the need, integrated into a seamless continuum, and sustainable irrespective of crisis – to help create a solid foundation on which New York’s children can grow and thrive.

The FY2019 Executive Budget proposes several promising reforms and initiatives that will benefit New York children, such as funding for the First 1000 Days on Medicaid initiative and implementation of Raise the Age juvenile justice policy

The enacted FY2017 New York State budget establishes two important policies that will benefit Monroe County’s children and families. Paid family leave and an increased minimum wage will bring needed stability and income to working parents. While The Children’s Agenda (TCA) commends these gains, we are concerned about missed opportunities for children and families in this budget, which we fear will impact negatively on the needs of working families and the long term outcomes of New York’s children.

In the FY 2016 Executive Budget, Governor Cuomo proposes creation of the Rochester Anti-Poverty Task Force, a high-level commission formed to address the serious issues of poverty and inequity in the greater Rochester area.