New York City has always been a beacon for Black families from across the country. And during the Great Migration, hundreds of thousands more families arrived, transforming neighborhoods into vibrant centers of culture, entrepreneurship, and political power. But today, that legacy is under strain. Skyrocketing costs for housing, child care, health care, and everyday essentials are pushing Black families out.

At a moment when Black New Yorkers need support the most, Albany must ensure our city has what it needs to thrive — which is why the Legislature is taking critical steps to restore critical funding to our city in our budget proposals.

Under former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and his predecessors, the state chipped away at the city’s budget year after year — shifting costs downward, cutting vital services, and expecting the city to shoulder more. In 2010, Aid and Incentives to Municipalities was eliminated, stripping $300 million annually from the city’s budget. The state’s restrictive Adult Shelter Cap forced New York City to absorb roughly $500 million in additional costs.

Cuomo cut $327 million in foster care aid, reduced food and housing assistance for low-income families by $193 million, and slashed $65 million in rental assistance support. At the same time, the state shifted roughly $480 million in MTA costs onto the city.

Those cuts represented billions of dollars in services and programs slashed from New York City. As state legislators who represent the city, we’re committed to ensuring this can remain a place where Black and working-class families can thrive.

In the Legislature’s budget proposals we restored funding to Aid and Incentives to Municipalities, increased tax revenue to New York City, restored funding for foster care, adult shelter costs, cash assistance for low-income families, and more — driving more than $5 billion more toward our city.

We’re also restoring critical funding to the city because we know our city plays a pivotal role in powering the state’s economy. Between 2010 and 2024, New York City’s economy grew by 110%, far outpacing the state’s growth of 68%. Yet despite driving more than half the state’s revenue, the city receives far less back. NYC contributes roughly 54.5% of state revenue but receives only 40.5% back. Our budget proposals work to rectify this unsustainable imbalance and restore the funding our city deserves.

The reason our city needs this funding is clear: Black families face some of the city’s steepest affordability pressures, especially from housing. Black unemployment and incarceration rates remain far too high, and the Black median family income is under $20,000. Young people returning from college cannot find housing, while families with apartments often spend more than half their income on rent. Seniors are often forced to choose between food, prescriptions, and their rent.

Our communities also rely on quality public schools, after-school programs, child care, and safe public spaces where young people can learn and grow. Access to opportunities like music programs and arts education can shape a child’s future. When funding for these services is cut, the consequences ripple through neighborhoods. NYC cannot remain a center of Black opportunity if our families are forced out.

Strengthening New York City is a statewide necessity. Ending the drain of city resources to the state will not just stabilize the city’s finances — but also help ensure that New York remains a place where Black families can put down roots. It’s time for the state to treat the city not as a fiscal backstop, but as the vital partner we’ve always been.

Cleare is a state senator from Manhattan. Jackson is an assemblymember from the Bronx.

© NY Daily News