ALBANY, NY – As Governor Hochul and lawmakers reach an agreement on New York’s FY 2025 budget, Economic Security Project Action (ESPA) applauds the legislators for expanding the Empire State Child Credit and calls for their swift action to pass the Working Families Tax Credit. ESPA Senior Advisor and spokesperson Dylan Hewitt issued the following statement:

“At a time when President Trump and Congressional Republicans are handing tax breaks to billionaires while working families struggle with rising prices, we are encouraged to see Governor Hochul take an important step by expanding the Empire State Child Credit in this year’s budget.

Directly investing in children is one of the most effective ways to grow the middle class and strengthen our economy—but with uncertainty on the horizon, New York must do everything we can to guarantee the economic security of our families. That’s why Economic Security Project Action urged lawmakers to build on the Executive Budget and pass the Working Families Tax Credit, an inflation-proof benefit that would safeguard support from shrinking as costs keep climbing. Our neighbors deserve the consistent, predictable relief it would provide: an immediate benefit up to $1,600, paid out quarterly, for every child 17 and under.

Once this budget is passed, we look forward to continuing to work with Leader Stewart-Cousins, Speaker Heastie, Senator Gounardes, Assemblymember Hevesi, and their colleagues to pass every part of the Working Families Tax Credit, provide for families across the state, and continue to send a clear message: when Washington wavers, New York leads.”