Albany, NY – As part of continued efforts to raise awareness about poverty in New York State, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo introduced a resolution on Monday asking the Governor to declare January 2016 as Poverty Awareness Month in New York. The resolution unanimously passed the State Assembly.

“As we promote economic recovery throughout the state, we have to stay focused on the neediest New Yorkers,” said Assemblywoman Lupardo (D-Endwell). “Poverty statistics in New York are very troubling and this issue is one that will take a comprehensive, collaborative approach to address.”

More than three million New Yorkers live in poverty, including 900,000 children and 325,000 seniors. In Broome County, 18% of residents are below the poverty line and one in four children live in poverty. Across the state, poverty statistics are even higher for women and minorities.

Last year, Assemblywoman Lupardo and her colleagues, Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi, Chair, Committee on Social Services and Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, Chair, Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force held a series of hearings throughout the State on child poverty. Currently, several anti-poverty initiatives are active across the state to help alleviate economic insecurity. Last year, Assemblywoman Lupardo secured funding in the state budget to establish the Broome County Anti-Poverty Initiative, spearheaded by the United Way of Broome County.