New York, NY (May 28, 2026) – Jennifer Jones Austin, CEO of the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies, a leading anti-poverty, social policy, and advocacy organization in New York, issued the following statement on the FY 2027 New York State budget.
“At a time when too many New Yorkers are struggling to afford housing, child care, food, health care, and other basic necessities, this year’s state budget includes meaningful investments that will help ease financial strain for working families and individuals across our state.
Commitments to expand child care access, provide tax relief, and address the rising cost of living reflect an important recognition that New Yorkers need stronger systems of support to move toward economic security.
At the same time, the scale of the crisis facing New Yorkers demands greater urgency and ambition. Far too many households remain one unexpected expense, job disruption, or health emergency away from crisis.
While this budget takes important steps forward, key opportunities remain to more fully strengthen income supports, protect and expand access to affordable health care, address longstanding inequities in education funding, and invest in the human services workforce that so many New Yorkers rely on every day.
Economic security, not mere survival, must be the governing standard for public policy. FPWA remains committed to working with state leaders to advance bold, lasting solutions that ensure every New Yorker has the resources not just to get by, but to thrive.”
About FPWA:
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 and dismantle barriers to economic security and well-being.
