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NEW YORK'S KIDS ARE COUNTING ON US!

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I support Westchester Children’s Association (WCA) as they remain steadfast in their commitment to advocating for policies and investments that aid in the betterment of children, particularly New York’s most vulnerable.

Please defend young people's access to youth justice  with the continued funding of Raise the Age (RTA) policy, where the goal is restoration rather than criminalization.

Investments in YOUTH JUSTICE support safe communities:
The State Department of Budget reports that of the $1.25B available in appropriations over the last 5 years, only $372M has been spent. I call on you to streamline the delivery of appropriated funds by establishing a Youth Justice Innovation Fund with $50M of the $250M RTA appropriation. This funding would connect directly to community-based supports, allowing for more direct access to rehabilitative incarceration alternatives.

Child poverty rates in New York State have persistently exceeded the national average for over a decade, resulting in long lasting impacts that disproportionately affect Black, Latinx, and children from immigrant families.

In your role, please fight to eliminate CHILD POVERTY: 
     - Enhance the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
     - Strengthen the Empire State Child Credit.
     - Establish and fund statewide Healthy School Meals for all.
     - Ensure continuous Medicaid and Child Health Plus coverage for all eligible children from 0 through 6.
     - Establish the Mothers & Infants Lasting Change (MILC) direct cash transfer pilot.

Ensuring secure, affordable, and sustainable housing for all families is crucial to reducing instances of homelessness among children, youth, and families.

In your role, I hope you will fight to eradicate CHILD & YOUTH HOMELESSNESS:  
     - Include $250 million to fund the Housing Access Voucher Program (HAVP).
     - Pass and fund Statewide Right to Counsel (S2721 May) at $260 million.
 
My hope as your constituent is that you will join WCA and me in working toward a future where every child is healthy, safe, and prepared for life’s challenges regardless of race or zip code. That means addressing the issues of child poverty, homelessness, and youth justice.

I am counting on you, as are New York’s children and youth!

Sincerely, [Your information here]