Statement from Jennifer Jones Austin, CEO of the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies, on the FY26 New York State Budget Agreement  

The FY26 New York State Budget Agreement budget moves the needle forward on several important economic security issues by putting money back in the pockets of many New Yorkers, but the reality is that true economic security remains out of reach for many. 

More than half of all New Yorkers—54%— are economically insecure, struggling to both afford basic needs like housing, health care, and childcare, and save for their futures. For households with children, that number rises to 63%. The median economically insecure household faces a gap of over $36,000 between what they need and what they have each year. 

While the budget’s affordability measures will provide some welcomed relief, research and expert analyses tell us these steps alone will not fundamentally change the economic reality for the majority of struggling families. Many of the initiatives are spread too thin to provide deep, lasting support, and more robust, sustained investments in areas like affordable housing, higher education, childcare, and income supports are still needed to truly move the needle on economic security. 

This budget also arrives at a time of heightened uncertainty, with the impact of potential federal funding cuts still looming large—federal dollars make up about a third of the state budget. Now more than ever, New York must show leadership by focusing on the long-term economic security of all its residents. 

FPWA will continue to track and advocate for policies that address the root causes of economic insecurity, including improvements to higher education affordability, cash assistance, SNAP, childcare, housing, tax reform, and wages through our upcoming analysis and economic security scorecard. We urge our state’s leaders to keep these priorities at the forefront, so that every New Yorker can have the opportunity to thrive. 

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The Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies (FPWA) is a leading anti-poverty, social policy and advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening human services organizations and faith institutions and advancing economic opportunity and justice for New Yorkers with low incomes. Since 1922, FPWA has driven groundbreaking policy reforms to better serve those in need. We work to dismantle the structural and systemic barriers that impede economic security and well-being, and we strengthen the capacity of human services agencies and faith organizations so New Yorkers with lower incomes can thrive and live with dignity.