As the 2025 New York State legislative session comes to a close, we reflect on the tenacious advocacy efforts of the Schuyler Center team and our partners. Together, our work has driven policy and investments that will build a brighter future for the youngest New Yorkers.
January
In January, we kicked things off with the release of Schuyler Center’s annual State of New York’s Children data book and briefing at the Capitol. Our policy team presented data across policy areas with recommendations for solutions to uplift children and families.
At the end of the month, the Empire State Campaign for Child Care (ESCCC) hosted its annual advocacy day at the NYS Capitol where hundreds of parents, child care providers, and advocates rallied for significant investments in the child care workforce.
February
On February 5, WAMC listeners heard Schuyler Center President and CEO Kate Breslin and Director of Policy Dede Hill on-air during the public radio station’s winter fund drive. Kate and Dede discussed Schuyler Center’s work on policy issues, our history, and our mission.
Also in early February – we teamed up with the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance and the United Way of the Greater Capital Region to host a Town Hall featuring a discussion with Commissioner Guinn focused on Governor Hochul’s budget proposals, with attention to child poverty reduction measures.
Coordinator of Medicaid Matters New York Lara Kassel delivered testimony at the Joint Legislative Budget Hearing on Health/Medicaid on February 11, and Schuyler Center Project Director Kari Siddiqui delivered testimony at the Joint Fiscal Committees SFY 2025-26 Executive Budget Taxes Budget Hearing on February 27.
In a continuation of advocacy for child care workforce funding needs, the ESCCC conducted a survey of over 1200 child care providers from across the state. This data was presented at a press conference on February 24th with legislators and reporters in attendance. Speakers included Dede Hill, Policy and Community Engagement Specialist Adanech Makey, local child care provider Jason Wellington, Senator Brisport, Assemblymember Gonzalez-Rojas, Assemblymember Kelles, and Assemblymember Levenburg.
That same day, Senior Policy Analyst Crystal Charles hosted a child welfare legislative briefing co-sponsored by Assemblymember Hevesi and Senator Brisport.
March
On March 5th, the New York Can End Child Poverty coalition hosted End Child Poverty Advocacy Day. Attendees came from across the state to meet with legislators and rally for a robust child tax credit, housing supports, food assistance, and public benefits expansion.
Following the release of One House Budget Proposals and Schuyler Center’s Next Look Budget Analysis in March, Schuyler Center hosted a budget update webinar. Attendees heard from Schuyler Center’s policy team on how the proposed One House proposals would impact children and families, and advocates’ goals for the final budget.
Kate Breslin sat down with Spectrum News’ Susan Arbetter on March 31st to discuss the impact of a tax credit expansion that meets the full CPRAC recommendation. Her interview can be found here.
April
As Schuyler Center awaited the release of a final NYS budget, our advocacy remained steadfast.
ESCCC hosted a virtual speak-out to highlight the urgent Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) funding crisis facing the state, especially families in New York City. Our policy team continued to call for policies that would fit the Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council’s recommendations and advance supports for families interacting with the child welfare system.
In monitoring the federal landscape, Medicaid Matters New York released a series of one-pagers on Medicaid in each New York congressional district to demonstrate the effect potential cuts would have on New Yorkers.
In the final days of April, Governor Hochul invited Kate Breslin to speak on a proposed child tax credit expansion at her budget announcement in New York City.
May and June
Following the release of the final 2025-26 New York State Budget, with just weeks left in the 2025 legislative session, Schuyler Center forged ahead in advocating for legislation that would further support children and families.
Senior Policy Analyst Bridget Walsh advocated for three bills that would expand oral health access and bridge the current care gap.
Schuyler Center also joined 75+ organizations in calling for the passage of the New York for All Act to support New York’s immigrant children and families.
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