Mothers and Infants Lasting Change (“MILC”) Allowance

Published on May 15th, 2023

Memorandum of Support

Re: S4578 Ramos/A6197 Clark
Establishes the Mothers and Infants Lasting Change (“MILC”) allowance

The above-referenced legislation would establish an income allowance for eligible participants during the last three months of pregnancy and the first 18 months of the child’s life. It would also exclude income received from this allowance for purposes of supplemental nutrition assistance eligibility. The New York State Catholic Conference supports this important measure.

Child poverty is a crisis in New York, with as many as half of all children in some cities affected. Challenges such as the high cost of living, lack of childcare, and housing inequities often harm mothers of infants. They can face impossible decisions as they struggle to feed their babies and support their families. No child should go hungry in a state that prides itself on being progressive.

New York has an obligation to care for its most vulnerable citizens. A guaranteed income for mothers and infants is a wonderful way to provide critical support and build a culture of life in our state. We urge you to support this impactful legislation.