New York State’s Budget Wins For Working Families, Homeowners, Small Business Owners: Asm. Fall

New York State’s Budget Wins For Working Families, Homeowners, Small Business Owners: Asm. Fall

Editor’s note: United Way of NYC and affiliated organizations discussed some of the wins they saw in the state’s budget bill that will benefit lower income residents.  This is crucial to New Yorkers, especially as the federal budget seeks to cut the same programs, especially SNAP (which benefits those struggling to put food on the table – even if they work and just don’t make enough to make ends meet, which is all too often the case) and children’s food nutrition programs.  As these are cut at the federal level, the impact to New York will be less painfully felt due to the fact that it is a wealthier state with more money to take up the slack.  Other states, such as Kansas, Kentucky, or other Appalachian counties, for example, may not be able to do so.  As a result, they will change their rules to make fewer families and individuals eligible, let go of workers who process applications – increasing wait times for approvals, and other cost-cutting measures that will be necessary as a result of these cuts.  It should be understood, though, that there will be cuts to New York in the same way, they just may not be as extreme or as deeply felt (a greater proportion of Appalachian families are on SNAP than New Yorkers are). 

According to the Appalachia Resource Council: “In Appalachia, a higher percentage of households participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) than the national average. Specifically, over 13% of Appalachian households receive SNAP benefits, compared to over 11% nationally. In Central Appalachia, this rate is even higher, reaching over 20%. For households with children under 18, SNAP participation in Appalachia is 21%, nearly three percentage points higher than the national average of 18%”

Across Staten Island, Lower Manhattan, and Brooklyn, too many families are feeling the pressure of rising costs—from groceries and gas to childcare and housing. As your Assemblymember, I’ve made it a priority to fight for meaningful relief that puts money back into the pockets of working families, homeowners, and small business owners. I’m proud to share that the FY 2026 State Budget delivers major wins to make everyday life more affordable for our communities.

This year’s budget includes targeted tax relief and affordability measures that will have a direct impact on households across District 61:

➤ Up to $400 in inflation rebate checks for eligible families, helping ease the burden of everyday expenses as costs remain high.

➤ Income tax cuts for over 8.3 million New Yorkers, including thousands of residents in our district—offering broad-based relief for low- and middle-income earners.

➤ Expansion of the Empire State Child Tax Credit, which now includes children under the age of 4. This will provide direct financial relief to parents of young children across our district.

➤ STAR property tax relief made more accessible, giving homeowners—including seniors and longtime residents—greater ability to save on their housing costs.

➤ Payroll tax eliminated for self-employed individuals earning under $150,000, a key win for freelancers, gig workers, and small business owners trying to stay afloat in an unpredictable economy.

➤ Millionaire’s tax extended through 2032, ensuring that the wealthiest New Yorkers continue to contribute their fair share—helping to fund essential public services and preserve tax fairness.

These measures reflect our commitment to economic fairness and stability. At a time when working families are being asked to stretch every dollar, I’m proud that this year’s budget offers real relief and smart investments that reflect our district’s needs. I will continue fighting for policies that build financial security and opportunity for everyone in District 61.

Banner Image: Assemblymember Charles Fall in Albany. Image Credit – Asm. Fall