Public Policy

Advocating for sound and positive policies that relate to local United Ways’ fundraising and community-building activities is a central activity of UWNYS. Our active involvement and that of our key partners can result in sustained and positive change in the capacity of United Ways and other nonprofit human service organizations to meet the needs of their communities.

2021 ALICE Agenda for New York

Using ALICE data, United Way of New York State proposes the following public policy priorities that work to remove obstacles to financial stability, identify gaps in community resources, and build data-driven solutions to help ALICE families achieve economic stability, bolstering the state’s economy overall and help us recover and rebuild from COVID-19:

Secure and strengthen non-profits’ ability to provide services to ALICE
Secure and strengthen 211 New York
Expand Working Family Tax Credits at the State and Federal level
Ensure internet access is affordable and accessible to all
Make ALICE NY the benchmark by which we measure financial stability
Support and invest in workforce development
Support the future generation through child care and child development
Collaborate and co-lead federal advocacy efforts with United Way Worldwide which strengthen ALICE Households and beyond

Expansion of Working Family Tax Credits

We believe that our state Working Family Tax Credits – the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Empire State Child Credit (ESCC) – can and should promote equity and economic security rather than reinforce existing barriers to health, wealth and a better life.

Memo in Support EITC Assembly and Senate Bills July 2020

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