BUFFALO, N.Y. —
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a $1,800 baby bonus for eligible families as a part of the 2026 budget during a press conference in Buffalo Tuesday.
Low-income families with new babies who are on public assistance are eligible.
In addition, Hochul said families with kids under 4 years old will receive $1,000 and an additional $500 for each child up to the age of 16 as an annual tax credit. The state will also be covering every child’s school breakfast and lunch for a total of $1,600 a child.
“Your family is my fight. That is the vision I’ve laid out for this state, the vision I’ve laid out for Buffalo,” said Hochul. “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.”
Capital grants worth $100 million will go towards renovating and constructing new child care centers across the state. An additional $10 million will also go to those with home-based child care locations.
Inflation refund checks are expected for all 2023 New York State tax filers in mid-October.
