BUFFALO, N.Y. — In a bold move aimed at easing the financial burden on working families, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced a sweeping package of benefits Tuesday, including a $1,800 baby bonus for low-income families, as part of the state’s 2026 Executive Budget.
Speaking at a press conference in Buffalo, Governor Hochul framed the initiative as a cornerstone of her broader economic justice agenda.
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“Your family is my fight,” Hochul declared. “That is the vision I’ve laid out for this state, the vision I’ve laid out for Buffalo — a place where working families don’t just survive, they thrive. A place where a zip code doesn’t determine your child’s future and a place you’re so proud to call home. I promise a more affordable New York.”
The newly announced baby bonus will provide $1,800 to low-income families with newborns who are receiving public assistance, offering critical support during the early months of a child’s life.
In addition to the baby bonus, the 2026 budget outlines several other significant financial supports: a $1,000 annual tax credit for families with children under the age of 4, an additional $500 per year for each child up to age 16, and universal school meals, with the state covering the full cost of breakfast and lunch for every school-aged child, amounting to $1,600 per student annually. These measures are designed to alleviate long-term child poverty, improve access to nutrition, and help families keep up with rising living costs.
Governor Hochul also announced a major expansion in the state’s child care infrastructure. $100 million in capital grants will go toward the construction and renovation of child care centers across New York, while $10 million in additional funding will be allocated to support home-based child care providers. These investments aim to address the growing demand for affordable, high-quality child care — a longstanding barrier to employment and economic mobility for many working parents.
To further assist New Yorkers facing economic pressures, Hochul confirmed that inflation refund checks will be distributed to all 2023 state tax filers by mid-October 2025. While details on the exact amounts were not provided, the relief checks are intended to offset the effects of ongoing price increases in housing, groceries, and utilities.
Governor Hochul’s announcement comes amid growing national conversations about economic inequality, the rising cost of raising children, and the need for robust public investment in family supports. By combining direct financial aid with systemic reforms in education and child care, the Governor said her administration is working to reshape New York into a state where “family circumstances no longer dictate a child’s future.”
“We are rewriting what it means to support families in New York,” Hochul said. “This budget says clearly: your success, your children’s health, your future — they all matter to us.”
The new benefits will be included in the finalized 2026 state budget, pending approval by the state legislature.
