Bill > A01597

This bill establishes the Baby Bucks Allowance, a pilot program designed to provide financial support to low-income families during the last three months of pregnancy and the first 18 months of a child's life. The program will select 15,000 eligible families, with 10,000 participants from cities with populations over 140,000 and 5,000 from rural areas. Participants must have an income below 200% of the federal poverty line and will receive monthly subsidies: $1,000 per month for the first 12 months (last three months of pregnancy and first nine months of child's life) and $500 per month for the final nine months. Participants must provide income documentation, participate in monthly surveys, and meet additional criteria set by the department. The program aims to combat child poverty by providing direct, unrestricted cash assistance during a critical developmental period. Additionally, the bill ensures that the Baby Bucks Allowance income will not count against participants' eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and requires the department to conduct monthly surveys and prepare interim and final reports on the program's impact. The pilot program will run for 21 months, with the goal of supporting families and potentially breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1597