Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) voiced his support today for the governor’s proposal to expand the Child Tax Credit, calling it a step in the right direction for New York families. With nearly half of all parents saying their child care situation is currently unworkable, the initiative closely aligns with a proposal championed by the Assembly Minority Conference last year to provide greater financial relief to parents across the state.

The expansion could benefit more than 2.75 million children statewide. Under the proposal, families with children under four could receive up to $1,000 per child annually, while families with children aged four to 16 could receive up to $500 per child. The plan, which represents the largest expansion of the credit in New York’s history, aims to double the average credit for families and extend eligibility to middle-class households. This initiative is expected to significantly reduce child poverty and provide critical financial relief to families grappling with rising costs.

Assemblyman Ra and his colleagues have long advocated for policies aimed at improving child care access and affordability. The ABC Plan, a comprehensive bill package released last March, proposed expanding the Child Tax Credit, offering increased tax incentives for families and child care providers, broadening access to early childhood education and addressing workforce shortages in the child care sector.

“The ABC plan we introduced was in direct response to the growing crisis in high-quality, affordable child care across New York,” said Ra. “I’m pleased to see the governor take action on this critical issue. This proposal represents a bipartisan opportunity to deliver real solutions for parents, children and providers.”

“Spending money this way—rather than pouring money into failed tax credits for favored businesses—is a smarter, more effective use of taxpayer dollars and ensures resources are spent where they will truly make a difference.”

“It is a long-overdue investment in the future of our children. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to see it through and ensure the expanded Child Tax Credit truly meets the needs of families in every corner of New York,” Ra added.