NEW YORK, NY – In response to New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ first State of the City address, Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York (CCC) Executive Director Jennifer March issued the following statement:

“Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York (CCC) appreciates Mayor Adams’ focus on advancing an equitable recovery and ensuring that all New Yorkers gain access to the critical supports and opportunities they need to thrive.

While we await more details on the investments proposed in the FY’23 Executive Budget, we applaud several encouraging priorities elevated during the Mayor’s State of the City speech. We commend the Mayor for committing to deepen the Earned Income Tax Credit, expand access to and lower the costs of child care, improve access to social supports, boost capacity to Summer Rising and youth employment programs to serve more young people, and expand mentoring opportunities for child welfare and juvenile justice involved youth. We also applaud the Mayor for proposing significant investments in affordable housing development.

CCC’s analyses of pandemic impacts – including our newly released data book Keeping Track of New York City’s Children: 2022 – lay bare the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on children, families, and communities of color, and the critical need for government leaders to take action to lift incomes; stabilize housing; reconnect children and youth to early education, youth services, and K-12 schools; invest in our human services workforce; and address the youth behavioral health crisis. As details on the Mayor’s FY’23 Executive Budget become available, CCC will measure the strength of the investments proposed against the urgent need to address heightened disparities and promote an equitable recovery.”