New York—Today, Governor Kathy Hochul proposed an expansion of the Empire State Child Credit (ESCC) as part of her 2025 State of the State. This proposed expansion, phased in over two years, would triple the current annual tax credit for children under age four (up from $330 to $1,000) and increase the annual tax credit for children from four through sixteen (up from $330 to $500). While we applaud this first step in supporting New York families, more needs to be done to achieve the state’s goal of reducing child poverty.
Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO, New York Immigration Coalition:
“Our entire economy suffers when families can’t afford to pay their bills. At a time when people are struggling with an ongoing affordability crisis in housing, transportation and essentials, this proposed expansion of the ESCC will give New York families – including Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) filers – a much needed break. This is a great start, but we must continue to fight for greater investment in the well-being of more New York families. The Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC) would eliminate minimum income requirements, expand eligible income levels, increase the maximum credit to $1600 per child, remove the cap on number of children eligible, and include seventeen year olds. It is imperative that Albany builds on Governor Hochul’s proposal by passing and enacting the WFTC in the upcoming FY26 budget. When we invest in our families, we are investing in the future success of New York.”