WCC applauds Governor Hochul’s 2026 State of the State
(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.
'WCC applauds Governor Hochul’s 2026 State of the State address and her commitment to investments in affordable childcare, environmental justice, and education.'
We’re encouraged by the Governor’s plans to expand access to universal child care, an investment urgently needed by women and caregivers across New York, who continue to bear the economic burden of care. Through WCC’s organizing and research, we understand how unaffordable childcare limits a woman’s ability to participate fully in civic and community life.
We also welcome continued investments in protecting New York’s environment, moving us closer to environmental justice for all. The communities WCC works alongside have long faced the most significant environmental harms and have a right to clean air, safe water, and climate solutions that prioritize their health.
Finally, the Governor’s commitment to strengthening early education, expanding access to higher education, and promoting workforce development recognizes that opportunities must be built at every stage of life. These investments help ensure New Yorkers, especially women and those facing barriers, have pathways to learn, grow, and achieve lasting economic security.
We look forward to advocating for equitable implementation of these investments so they deliver real results for women and families across the state.
About
Women Creating Change (WCC), formerly known as the Women’s City Club of New York, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to promoting the rights of women and gender-expansive individuals, ensuring they have the power to shape the future of New York City.
Founded in 1915 by suffragettes committed to promoting responsive government and improving conditions for the women of New York City, WCC works to advance gender equity 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 justice, education, health care and reproductive justice, and safety. Through our research, advocacy, and leadership development programs, we empower women to shape policy, strengthen communities, and transform systems.
We're committed to building a more equitable New York City together with women and gender-expansive people from underrepresented communities. Visit wccny.org.
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