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Federal executive actions have created a state of alarm for those who work on policies designed to help low-income families and children. And there is no question that the policy fights at the federal level about the role of the American safety net are going to continue. But what about those who are struggling right now? Is there anything that can be done to help them?

In the interim, as families and children continue to hurt, states must step up and take action. Governors can act decisively to invest in policies supporting our most vulnerable populations. And Gov. Kathy Hochul knows where to start.

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The governor’s State of the State address laid out the first steps in an ambitious plan to reduce poverty and support the middle class through a major overhaul of the state’s Empire Child Tax Credit. Her proposed credit would increase the current maximum of $330 per child to $1,000 for children ages 0 to 3, and to $500 for children ages 4 to 16.

Just as important as the amount of the credit increase is the fact that the credit itself would be much more inclusive. We estimate that about 500,000 children in New York are unable to receive........

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