On October 13, the New York Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council met for the first time to begin developing a plan to cut child poverty in half over the next ten years. Authorized through the Child Poverty Reduction Act, which Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law on December 1, 2021, the Advisory Council is charged with conducting data analyses, developing a timeline for its plan, evaluating policy proposals such as expanding the state’s child tax credit, and selecting metrics for measuring progress towards its goal. The Advisory Council will also examine strategies to reduce the disparate impact of poverty on communities of color, improve access to benefits regardless of immigration status, and help families achieve and maintain financial stability. Membership of the Advisory Council includes representatives from a cross-sector array of state agencies, community members, and nonprofit organizations focused on children and economic development. Meetings are open to the public and available to view online, along with meeting materials.

New York’s commitment to reducing child poverty reflects the understanding that poverty can have lasting effects on children’s social, emotional, and physical development and limit their future academic and economic opportunities. State Senator Jessica Ramos, the bill’s sponsor, explained that by creating the Advisory Council, New York “will be able to make sure thoughtful and intentional investments are made to tackle this critical issue—ensuring that no child is left without the support they need to grow and reach their full potential.”

Pathways to Resilience elevates policies and programs like New York’s that improve child and family health and well-being. The initiative aims to support states and communities in implementing strategies that promote equity and advance trauma-responsiveness across sectors.In the third video in our series featuring Steering Committee members, Mrs. Edwards discusses how the Louisiana First Foundation, an organization she established upon becoming First Lady of Louisiana, promotes child wellbeing through initiatives focused on teaching music, arts and movement in schools; supporting partnerships with government to support foster children and their caregivers; and preventing human trafficking.