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Bill

S 4564

Establishes the New York baby opportunity fund

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jamaal Bailey and 1 co-sponsor

S 4564 - Establishes the New York Baby Opportunity Fund OverviewBill Number: S 4564 Title: Establishes the New York Baby Opportunity Fund Status: REFERRED TO FINANCE Introduced:

REFERRED TO FINANCE
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Bill Summary · S 4564

S 4564 - Establishes the New York Baby Opportunity Fund

Overview

Bill Number: S 4564
Title: Establishes the New York Baby Opportunity Fund
Status: REFERRED TO FINANCE
Introduced: June 02, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The purpose of this bill is to create the New York Baby Opportunity Fund, a new state program that will provide financial assistance to low-income families with newborn children. The goal is to help alleviate the significant costs associated with having a baby and support the healthy development of children in disadvantaged households.

Key Provisions

  • Establishes the New York Baby Opportunity Fund as a dedicated state fund to provide direct cash payments to eligible families
  • Provides a one-time payment of $2,000 for each newborn child in households earning less than 200% of the federal poverty level
  • Requires the state's Department of Social Services to administer the program, including determining eligibility, processing applications, and distributing payments
  • Appropriates $50 million annually from the state's general fund to capitalize the Baby Opportunity Fund
  • Directs the Department to conduct outreach and raise awareness about the program to ensure maximum participation

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Low-income families with newborn children in New York would be the primary beneficiaries, receiving $2,000 per child to help cover expenses like diapers, formula, childcare, and medical costs
  • The program is expected to assist an estimated 25,000 families per year, providing critical financial support during a challenging time
  • Supporters argue the payments will improve child health outcomes, reduce family financial stress, and have long-term positive impacts on child development

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

The bill has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration. If approved by the committee, it would then proceed to a full vote by the New York State Senate. Given the bill's focus on supporting low-income families, it has garnered bipartisan support, but its passage will depend on budgetary negotiations and the legislative calendar.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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