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Child Poverty Reports

2025 Impact Update

March 23, 2026

Every sturdy structure begins with a strong foundation, and every meaningful change in the lives of children and families starts the same way: with people who believe it is possible, and who commit themselves to making it real.

That is the spirit behind this year’s Impact Report, and its theme: Building Blocks of Progress.

Throughout 2025, we continued to focus on initiatives that create positive, long-term change for children and families across New York state. Because persistent structural and racial inequities result in worse outcomes for children of color and minoritized children especially, we work to center the voices and lived experiences of families in everything we do, from local neighborhoods to the state capitol. Our strengths in policy-driven research, effective organizing, and impactful advocacy are only as powerful as the community of people and organizations that stand behind them.

We also know that this work does not happen in a vacuum. Political headwinds shift. Budgets are contested. Hard-won progress is sometimes threatened. But our answer remains the same, regardless of any one election or new law: we keep fighting for children, we keep building power, we keep exposing cruelty, and we keep making the case for policies that work.

We never give up on a New York where every child thrives.

Click to Read More and/or Download»

TCA’s Response to Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2026 State of the State Address

January 15, 2026

In her 2026 State of the State address, Governor Kathy Hochul proposed bold investments that will profoundly and positively impact children, families, and our economy across the state for generations to come. In a time of real setbacks from the current federal administration, we applaud Governor Hochul’s leadership and determination to fight for families.

Read more to find out what we’re applauding this year, what we believe is missing, and what New York voters say they want from State leaders in this year’s budget.

Click to Read More and/or Download»

The Children’s Agenda’s 2025 Statewide Voter Poll Results

December 19, 2025

Find out what voters in New York think about issues and policy solutions related to child care, family economic security, developmental services, and Pre-K to 12 education.

Click to Read More and/or Download»

2026 State Policy Priorities

December 11, 2025

Find out what our key legislative priorities are in child care, family economic security, developmental services, and education for children throughout New York.

Click to Read More and/or Download»

Family Affordability Fact Sheets for All NYS Counties

October 23, 2025

New York is one of the most expensive states to raise a family. Core necessities such as housing, child care, food, healthcare, and transportation consume a growing share of household income, especially for low- and middle-income families. These rising costs are driving many families to leave the state in search of more affordable living conditions. High costs of living also contribute to persistent child poverty, with New York home to three of the ten U.S. cities with the highest child poverty rates. Addressing these challenges requires bold, family-centered policies that ease cost burdens and promote economic stability.

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thumbnail image of page of text

Our Statement on the 2025-26 NYS Legislature Session

June 25, 2025

In its 2025 session, the New York State legislature made positive steps forward for New York’s children and families and yet missed many opportunities to address longstanding problems. New York’s children are threatened by recent federal actions and looming legislation that will lead to higher rates of child poverty, more food scarcity, and a loss of health care. State leaders missed several opportunities to provide our children with additional support to mitigate the harm of federal cuts. We look forward to working with our partners in government to address these shortcomings in the future.

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Supporting Youth: Our Priorities for City of Rochester’s 2025-26 Budget

June 12, 2025

Investing in youth through the budget process lays the foundation for a safe and prosperous City of Rochester. The Children’s Agenda’s recommendations for the City of Rochester 2025-2026 Budget focus on three interconnected priorities: reducing childhood poverty, expanding access to libraries and play, and tackling the youth mental health crisis through social emotional supports and a restorative approach to youth engagement.

Click to Read More and/or Download»

Milestones Matter: The Children’s Agenda Reviews the New York State 2025-26 Budget

May 22, 2025

The 2025-26 New York State budget contains some milestone wins for children and families – and some big misses. We are grateful that Governor Hochul and the State Legislature listened to the calls of advocates and took bold actions to boost economic security and health for New Yorkers. These gains could be threatened unless additional investments are made in areas missed this session.

Click to Read More and/or Download»

The Children’s Agenda’s Statement on the 2025-26 State Budget

May 9, 2025

The 2025-26 state budget was approved by the Senate and Assembly yesterday, with mixed results for
children. Click here to review our initial summary of wins as well as the two key areas that elected officials failed to make progress for children and families. We will release a more detailed analysis once our team has had time to thoroughly review the full enacted budget.

Click to Read More and/or Download»
2025 Childhood Poverty Report cover page

Rochester City Council Childhood Poverty Report 2025

March 24, 2025

Currently, forty-two percent of children in the city are living in poverty, which means nearly half of our youth are deprived of essential resources such as adequate food, stable housing, and healthcare. To provide perspective, this figure is two and a half times greater than the state average and three times higher than the national average.

LaShay D. Harris, Rochester City Council Vice President, and Chair of the People, Parks and Public Works Committee, led an initiative to examine the levels of poverty for children in the City of Rochester. The Committee engaged with residents, families, and youth regarding the issue of childhood poverty. They listened to their narratives of resilience, the shortcomings of dysfunctional systems, and the effects of generational poverty and historical trauma on our community. Additionally, the Committee gathered numerous suggestions on how to reform these systems, create pathways for upward mobility, and foster a brighter future for our children.

Click to Read More and/or Download»

Which Executive and Legislative Budget Proposals Benefit New York’s Children and Families Most?

March 17, 2025

Governor Hochul, the State Senate, and the State Assembly have put forth their budget proposals for the 2025-26 year. Our team has reviewed the proposals to determine what best aligns with The Children’s Agenda’s priorities in Child Care, Child Poverty, Early Intervention, Education (PreK to 12), and Health & Mental Health.

Click to Read More and/or Download»
Cover page of 2024 Impact Update shows photo of large diverse group of parents and words Celebrating 20 Years of Wins for Children and Families

2024 Impact Update

March 3, 2025

The Children’s Agenda is a bold voice for children. We are pleased to share highlights of what we achieved for children and families in 2024.

Click to Read More and/or Download»
Photo of smiling infant and the words Explaining Governor Hochul's Proposal to Expand the Empire State Child Credit

Explaining Governor Hochul’s Proposal to Expand the Empire State Child Credit

January 9, 2025

On January 6th, 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul announced a proposal to expand New York’s Empire State Child Credit. Her recommendation addresses some of the most harmful structural flaws that have limited the effectiveness of the state’s child tax credit since it was first introduced in 2006. Currently, this expansion would be rolled out over two years, with the phase-in elimination and young child increase happening in the 2025 tax year, and the higher credit for older children delayed until the following year. To have the greatest impact, policymakers should consider modifying this proposal to allow for full implementation in year one.

These changes build on the progress made in recent years when the Empire State Child Credit was expanded to include children under the age of four. There is more work to be done — most notably tying the credit amount and income levels to inflation — but this bold proposal is a critical step towards ensuring that all children and families in New York have the supports they need to thrive.

Click to Read More and/or Download»

2025 State Policy Priorities

January 1, 2025

Find out what our key legislative priorities are in child care, child poverty, developmental services, education, and health for children throughout New York.

Click to Read More and/or Download»

Parent Poll: What Families Need from Monroe County in 2025

November 30, 2024

In The Children’s Agenda’s Sept. 2024 poll, parents told us they are struggling to afford essentials like housing, food, and child care. These stressors are largely consistent across income levels in both Rochester and the suburbs. Parents also shared their support for potential solutions.

Click to Read More and/or Download»
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  • New York – Statewide
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Reports by Agenda Item

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  • Parent Poll
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    • Data Disaggregation
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