Senator Kristen Gonzalez Secures Enhanced Tax Credit, Funding for Affordable Housing, MTA modernization, and Public Schools in 2025-26 State Budget for Manhattan

ALBANY, NY – With the passage of the 2025 Enacted New York State Budget Senator Kristen Gonzalez lauded the inclusion of several budget investments that will benefit residents of Queens. 

Senator Gonzalez advocated for and voted to secure an increased Empire State Child Tax Credit, which will benefit families with children under 4 ($1,000 per child), $50 million for the Housing Access Voucher Program to provide stable housing, and full funding for the $68 billion dollar MTA Capital Plan, which will result in Midtown tunnel upgrades and Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) modernization. Gonzalez also advocated for and voted in favor of increased funding for the City University of New York, New York City Public schools, and an increase of $400 million for childcare access and $110 million to build or renovate child care centers. The Governor also committed to working on a pathway to universal childcare.

Senator Kristen Gonzalez said, “I represent one of the most transit-oriented districts in the city and I’m proud to support the full funding of the 2025-2029 MTA Capital Plan, which will guarantee important modernization and climate resiliency upgrades. As a Manhattan elected, I’m especially thrilled to see increased funding for housing access in the most densely populated county in our state. We also secured increased funding for SUNY and CUNY schools including Baruch College, and $500 million for distressed and safety net hospitals. As I fight to improve quality of life for everyday New Yorkers who call Manhattan home, I’m glad to see a state budget that puts their needs first.” 

As universities and hospitals face federal cuts from the Trump administration, Senator Gonzalez, who represents the east side of Manhattan from the United Nations to Union Square, was especially proud to support increased funding of $83 million more than proposed by the Governor in capital funding for CUNY and SUNY as well as $500 million for distressed and safety net hospitals. 

The three-county representative (Queens, Manhattan and Brooklyn) also advocated for funding for various non-profit organizations that serve the district, including $150,000 for the NYU Dental VOCARE program, which provides dental care to veterans and $150,000 for Urban Resource Institute, which provides economic empowerment and other resources to domestic violence survivors.