Allowances for the Costs of Diapers

Published on January 12th, 2024

Memorandum of Support

Re: S1210 Persaud/A2872 Solages
In relation to allowances for the costs of diapers

The above-referenced bill would amend the Social Services Law to provide eligible parents with an allowance for the purchase of diapers for their infants and toddlers. The New York State Catholic Conference supports this legislation and urges its approval.

Very often, young parents who are receiving public assistance benefits struggle economically to provide the basic necessities for their children, including housing, clothing, proper nutrition and medicines. They are forced to make difficult decisions to ensure the physical, emotional and moral well-being of their families.

This legislation will provide such parents with an allowance for the cost of diapers for children two years of age and younger, not to exceed $80 every three months. Diapers are an absolute necessity, and such an allowance will help to lessen the worries and ease the burdens these families face.

The New York State Catholic Conference supports policies and programs that address the underlying issues often faced by low-income women planning their families and any woman confronted with an unplanned pregnancy: poverty, isolation, unemployment, lack of health care, profound suffering and despair. We believe that women must be empowered with the programs, services and support which address these problems, to ensure that they can carry their baby to term and raise their families with dignity.

For these reasons, we support this legislative proposal and urge that it be approved.