Albany, NY -UNS: Assembly member Catalina Cruz announced her support for the FY 2025–2026 New York State Budget, a $253.3 billion spending plan that delivers meaningful progress for working families across New York. From housing stability and educational equity, to immigrant justice and economic relief, this year’s budget reflects hard-fought victories that respond to the everyday challenges New Yorkers face—especially in the wake of federal disinvestment.
One of the most significant accomplishments in this year’s housing agenda is the long-overdue Housing Access Voucher Program (HAVP), funded at $50 million, which will help New Yorkers who are unhoused or at risk of homelessness secure stable, long-term housing. Complementing this effort, the budget introduces a 90-day waiting period for large institutional investors—such as Blackstone and KKR—before they can purchase certain residential properties. This first-of-its-kind policy is a direct response to the growing threat of speculative buying and displacement, offering working families a fair shot at homeownership and neighborhood stability.
Just as the budget takes bold steps to keep families housed, it also makes critical investments to ensure that children are fed and supported in school. It allocates $340 million to fully fund Universal Free School Meals, ensuring that every public school student in New York receives free breakfast and lunch. To support classroom learning, a new “bell-to-bell” policy will limit non-educational cell phone use during instructional hours, reducing distractions and helping students stay focused.
We also secured investments in community anchors that uplift both culture and care. The budget allocates $8.5 million to the Queens Museum, a vital institution that served as a food distribution hub during the pandemic and continues to provide educational programming and civic engagement opportunities. In a powerful acknowledgment of immigrant military families, Governor Hochul allocated $525,000 to fund the Sgt. Alex Jimenez Military Immigrant Family Legacy Program, which provides legal immigration services to the relatives of U.S. service members.
In addition to the major structural investments, the following targeted wins will deliver critical support across the 39th District and beyond:
$55 million for Nourish NY, connecting local farms with food-insecure families
$57.79 million for the Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP) to support pantries and emergency food providers
$275,000 for the Fortune Society to expand reentry support for justice-involved individuals
$150,000 for Cornell University ILR Criminal Justice and Employment Initiative (CJEI), helping formerly incarcerated individuals clear and seal old criminal records
$2.75 million for the Lorena Borjas Transgender and Non-Binary Wellness and Equity Fund, providing health, housing, and legal services for TGNBNC New Yorkers
$350,000 for Communilife’s Life is Precious Program, addressing Latina teen suicide through culturally responsive mental health support
$275,000 for the Prison-to-College Pipeline at John Jay College, helping formerly incarcerated New Yorkers access higher education and reentry pathways
$433,000 for Rockefeller Institute of Government: Immigration & Integration Policy Research Center, which conducts research and analysis to inform effective, evidence-based immigration policy
Expanded Empire Child Tax Credit, increasing the tax credit to $1,000 for families with children under four and $500 for families with children ages four to sixteen
Inflation Rebate Checks, directing payments up to $400 for joint filers and up to $200 for single earners
New BABY Benefit Pregnancy Allowance, $1,800 to qualifying pregnant mothers to support with prenatal care and early childhood needs
Additionally, in the face of escalating federal hostility toward immigrant communities—including renewed threats of mass deportations, increased detention, and the rollback of basic civil rights protections—New York has stepped up to defend the dignity and safety of those who call the state home. As the federal government doubles down on punitive policies and refuses to meet its obligations, this year’s budget also provides $64.2 million for immigrant services, including legal representation, workforce development, ESL classes, and case management for both newly arrived asylum seekers and long-standing immigrant residents. While these funds are crucial, the amount is not sufficient. As federal funding dries up and national rhetoric grows more dangerous, Assemblymember Cruz will continue to push for greater investment in legal services, wraparound support, and policies that uplift our immigrant neighbors. New York must remain a firewall against injustice, and this budget is a necessary step in that fight.
