Women Creating Change Responds to Governor’s State of the State Address
(New York, N.Y.)—Sharon Sewell-Fairman, President and CEO of Women Creating Change (WCC), a nonprofit that works toward a more just and equitable New York City where all women are civically engaged, released the statement below in response to the Governor’s State of the State.
'We commend Governor Hochul's State of the State proposals to support parents, address economic and environmental justice, and expand educational opportunities.'
New maternal health initiatives demonstrate a recognition of the challenges facing new parents. Providing essential baby supplies to Medicaid-eligible families, alongside the integration of behavioral health services in OB-GYN centers, will help ensure healthier outcomes for both mothers and babies. The addition of paid leave for prenatal care addresses a critical gap that has long prevented many working mothers from accessing necessary medical care.
The Governor's economic justice initiatives represent a significant commitment to addressing financial hardship across our state. The expansion of WIC access and improved coordination with SNAP will help ensure more families can access the nutrition assistance they need. Proposed tax reforms, including cuts across five tax brackets and an inflation rebate, will provide meaningful relief to working families. We are particularly encouraged by the expansion of the child tax credit and the creation of the Coalition for Child Care, which marks an important step toward universal child care access. Collectively, these proposals will help to reduce barriers to economic opportunities for communities that have been historically left behind.
The proposed Master Plan for Responsible Advanced Nuclear Development shows forward-thinking leadership on climate action, presenting an innovative approach to meeting our state's ambitious decarbonization goals while ensuring energy reliability.
Finally, the education proposals demonstrate a clear commitment to expanding opportunity for all students. Universal free school meals will help ensure no child goes hungry during the school day, while expanded access to college coursework in high schools will help more students prepare for higher education and career success.
These initiatives collectively represent a comprehensive approach to addressing the interconnected challenges facing New York families. We look forward to working with the Governor's office and our partners across the state to support the successful implementation of these important programs.
About
Women Creating Change (WCC), formerly known as the Women’s City Club of New York, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan activist organization dedicated to advancing women’s rights and shaping the future of New York City. Founded in 1915, WCC works to advance gender and racial equality by equipping women of color, women experiencing financial hardship, and gender-expansive individuals, with the knowledge, tools, and resources to advocate for the issues that matter most to them. WCC collaborates with partners, policymakers, and advocacy groups to drive real change in economic opportunity, education, healthcare, safety, reproductive justice, and environmental justice. WCC connects women with key stakeholders to learn, act, and engage. We empower women to lead change, shape policy, and strengthen communities, redesigning systems for a more equitable New York City. At WCC, we believe every woman has the power to make a difference. Visit wccny.org.
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