Dear friend, New York’s new budget includes a few steps forward, but falls far short of what’s needed to meet the urgency of this moment. Key anti-poverty proposals were underfunded or ignored, leaving our communities vulnerable to the deepening crisis and upcoming federal cuts. But the fight continues. As we organize to defend what we’ve won and demand what we need, the Kairos team is hitting the road. From Georgia to Illinois to Minnesota, this tour is bringing together communities committed to ending poverty. Read on for tour updates, virtual events, and actions we’re taking at home and on the road. In this issue: Statement on New York’s FY2026 state budget Book tour events and action Other events Freedom Church of the Poor Latest in News and Media
You only get what you’re organized to take, The Kairos Center |
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New York State’s Budget: “Fails to meet the urgency of the moment” |
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In response to the final FY2026 New York State budget, Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis, Executive Director of the Kairos Center for Religions, Rights, and Social Justice, and Rev. West McNeill, Director of the Labor-Religion Coalition at the Kairos Center, released the following statement: |
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“While the budget includes some beneficial initiatives, overall it fails to meet the urgency of this moment and leaves New Yorkers more vulnerable to impending federal cuts than it needed to. |
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The Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council (CPRAC), tasked with halving child poverty by 2031, recommended: Expanding and increasing the child tax credit Creating a state housing voucher program Doubling the amount of the cash assistance benefit Making nutrition assistance available to immigrant families ineligible for food stamps
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| Instead, the adopted budget: Increased to the child tax credit less than CPRAC recommended Began a limited pilot of the Housing Access Voucher Program Expanded availability of universal school meals without CPRAC’s recommendations on public benefits and nutrition assistance Did not increase taxes on the ultra-wealthy, which could pay for the recommendations by CPRAC and cushion New Yorkers against impending federal cuts
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The child tax credit expansion and Housing Access Voucher Program could be a lifesaver for some families lucky enough to get a voucher. However these measures are grossly inadequate and the coming months remain critical.
We urge New Yorkers to join us in organizing and mobilizing to stop federal cuts to healthcare, education, and food assistance and tax breaks for the super-rich. The governor and legislature still can and must take this approach as they respond to whatever happens in Washington this summer.” |
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Illinois, mark your calendars! |
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June 12th and 13th will bring the You Only Get What You’re Organized To Take tour to two stops in Illinois. We cannot wait to connect with you! Stay tuned for more details. |
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Georgia and Massachusetts, get ready! |
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In the next ten days, Rev. Liz Theoharis, Noam Sandweiss-Back, and the Kairos team will be making their way to Augusta (5/23) and Atlanta (5/24-5/25), Georgia as well as to Boston (5/29) and Pittsfield (5/30), Massachusetts. Each stop will bring local leaders and communities engaged in the long-term fight to end poverty together to discuss, teach, and learn, and strategize with one another around the ongoing movement. |
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Thursday, May 22nd, 6pm ET: Virtual Book Tour Stop with Barnard Center for Research on Women |
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Haven’t been able to make it to one of our in-person book tour stops? We have you covered! This virtual event is open to all. Guest speakers include: Ciara Taylor, Aaron Scott, Noam Sandweiss-Back, and Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis |
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Thursday, May 29th, 7pm ET: Luke 10 Congregations Information Session |
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Earlier this year, Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) and the Kairos Center launched Luke 10 Congregations: Equipping Churches to Do Justice. We’re excited to announce applications are now open for the next round, beginning in September! |
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Freedom Church of the Poor: Gather with Us every Sunday & Wednesday |
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In the days after Easter the early Jesus community (followers of the way) were scattered and under constant threat from the violence and oppression of empire. They were also liberated. Liberated by the truth of what they were up against - a dehumanizing system of domination that hoarded wealth and sought to control God for their individual interests. And liberated by the vision of a God that left no one out, that promised abundant life for all. In this season of Days of Liberation we continue the fight to realize that world. We invite you to gather with your movement family for spiritual and political community every Sunday at 6pm ET and again on Wednesdays at 6pm ET for Biblical/textual reflection. |
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Democracy Now!: Coverage of the 2025 JVP National Membership Meeting |
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Earlier this month, Jewish Voice for Peace organized the largest ever convening of Jewish people organizing for Palestinian liberation. Kairos was proud to have Ciara Taylor, our Cultural Strategies Organizer and Educator, join the song team for the convening led by JVP organizers, Rabbi Koach Frazier and Elya Piazza. They opened the convening with Rebel by the Peace Poets. |
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