Stephanie Boshart

The meeting focused on the progress of the Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council, detailing the estimated impact of enacted policies on child poverty rates across various age and demographic groups. Key discussion topics included the analysis of the 2025-2026 state budget investments in child care, such as CCAP subsidy expansions, universal pre-kindergarten initiatives, and various tax credits. The committee reviewed potential policy ideas for future development, specifically addressing child support reforms, an emergency child welfare fund, and universal prekindergarten and after-school programs, with an emphasis on ensuring these concepts are data-driven and quantifiable for future modeling by the Urban Institute.

The session focused on providing a comprehensive update regarding community projects and initiatives in Battery Park City, with a primary emphasis on climate resiliency and construction efforts. Key topics included the historical development and ongoing management responsibilities of the Authority, as well as the progress and design strategies for the South and Northwest coastal resiliency projects. The discussion addressed the importance of these initiatives in mitigating flood risks and enhancing public infrastructure, including parks and recreational facilities. Additionally, the session outlined plans for future community programming and the utilization of new public spaces.

The board discussed project status reports, including pre-construction agreements, final loan agreements, project amendments, and completed developments. The Treasurer provided an update on cash and cash equivalents. Resolutions were passed regarding environmental impact classifications and the authorization of stabilization awards for emergency and permanent supportive housing projects. Representatives from state agencies including the Office of Mental Health, the Office of Addiction Services and Supports, Homes and Community Renewal, and the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance provided updates on procurement, funding opportunities, and program performance.

The committee meeting focused on reviewing the council's progress and developing rankings for proposed policy priorities related to child tax credits. A guest expert provided a presentation on recent federal and state-level updates regarding child tax credit models, emphasizing the importance of refundability and eligibility in reducing child poverty. The committee also discussed Urban Institute data workbooks, which provide estimates on the potential poverty reduction effects of various tax policy interventions, and utilized this data to facilitate an open discussion on policy prioritization.

This document outlines Governor Hochul's proposals for building universal child care in New York State for 2026 and SFY 2027. The plan focuses on expanding access to the Child Care Assistance Program, piloting innovative community care models, launching '2-Care' and expanding 3K access in New York City, achieving truly universal Pre-K statewide, establishing an Office of Child Care and Early Education, supporting the early childhood workforce, and expanding the Child and Dependent Care Credit. The overall vision is to ensure access to high-quality affordable child care for all children under 5.