New York, NY—The New York State Legislature and Governor Hochul enacted a $254 billion budget for FY26. This includes $64.2 million for immigrant legal services, $50 million for the Housing Access Voucher Pilot Program, the continuation of the Empire State Child Tax Credit, and $2.3 million for language access.
Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO, New York Immigration Coalition:
“New York’s immigrant communities are living through unprecedented attacks from Donald Trump and the federal government. At a time when it is essential for New York State to stand up for itself and our immigrant neighbors, Albany is instead taking a virtually hands off approach towards our communities, leaving them to fend for themselves. It is disappointing that the funding allocated for immigration legal services has remained stagnant at $64.2 million – nowhere near the $165 million needed to keep families together, our communities safe, and our economy vibrant. The budget also does not include the Access to Representation Act to guarantee the right to counsel in immigration court or the BUILD Act to support immigration legal services infrastructure.
“New Yorkers continue to struggle to make ends meet. While the budget includes the continuation of the Empire State Child Tax Credit and Inflation Rebate, working families need a greater investment to afford living in our great state. Not enacting the Working Families Tax Credit – which would have provided families with $1,600 per child – is a missed opportunity to give parents the credit they deserve and to put real money back into their pockets. The budget also did not meet the needs of Limited English Proficient New Yorkers, by keeping funding levels at $2.3 million to support language access to vital government services. The $50 million investment in the Housing Access Voucher Pilot Program is a step in the right direction, but fixing the housing crisis will require increased and permanent funding.
“Albany must step up this legislative session and in subsequent budget negotiations to actually fully support and protect every New Yorker to ensure the continued success of our economy and the well-being of every family who calls this state home.”