Statement from Robin Hood CEO Richard R. Buery, Jr. on Governor Hochul's State of the State

Today Governor Kathy Hochul delivered the 2022 State of the State address. In response, Richard R. Buery, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of Robin Hood — New York’s largest poverty-fighting philanthropy — released the following statement:

“For nearly two years, New York’s communities have been battered by COVID-19, leading to high rates of unemployment, housing instability, and unprecedented learning loss. The pandemic has exacerbated and highlighted long standing racial and economic inequities that threaten to create a revolving door of poverty in our city — and with the recent surge in cases, it is clear this crisis is far from over.

“While we are heartened to see Governor Hochul advance a bold agenda that will ensure an inclusive economy in years to come, millions of New Yorkers have long been living in crisis, with others teetering on the brink today — and they need support now. With New York’s unemployment rate still double the national average, hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers behind on rent and at risk of eviction when the moratorium expires in 10 days, child care still unaffordable and inaccessible for most, and future federal aid speculative at best, there is much more state government can and should do for New Yorkers.

“If we want New York to come out the other side of this pandemic as a stronger city and state that allows everyone to achieve the “New York Dream,” our government must address both the critical needs our neighbors face today and the longstanding barriers to equality we have fought for decades. In the coming months, we look forward to working with Governor Hochul, her team, and lawmakers  to make sure the needs — both immediate and long-term — of low-income New Yorkers remain a priority.”

About Robin Hood:

Founded in 1988, Robin Hood finds, fuels, and creates the most impactful and scalable solutions lifting families out of poverty in New York City, with models that can work across the country. Last year, Robin Hood invested nearly $200 million to provide COVID relief, legal services, housing, meals, workforce development training, education programs and more to families in poverty in New York City. Learn more at robinhood.org.