OUR MINISTRIES
Public Policy
September, 2026
NYS News:
An additional $36 million in state funds will be set aside to support victim services organizations statewide. These new funds will increase New York’s financial commitment to these programs to $88.8 million. Of the total new commitment, $11.7 million will go toward rape crisis centers, $4.8 million to child advocacy centers, and $11.7 million for domestic violence organizations.
Lost ACA (Affordable Care Act) or state health benefits in New York (NYS Essential Plan): Losing health benefits qualifies as a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) which opens a Special Enrollment Period allowing you to sign up for a new plan. Go to info.nystateofhealth.net/Marketplace to browse, compare, and enroll in a new plan or call 1-855-355-5777 for customer service.
Federal Legislation to watch:
Affordable Drug Manufacturing Act: This legislation would create a public Office of Drug Manufacturing within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to produce generic inhalers, insulin, naloxone, EpiPens, antibiotics, etc. The Act would:
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Increase competition and stabilize the generic drug supply chain;
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Bring down prices for lifesaving medications; and
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Address shortages and affordability.
Senior Accessible Housing Tax Credit Act of 2026: This would provide a nonrefundable tax credit of up to an annual limit of $10,000 for taxpayers age 60 and older who make qualifying improvements to help them remain safely and independently in their principal residence or a qualifying second home. Medicare generally does not cover structural home modifications (ie. wheelchair ramps, widening doorways, or remodeling bathrooms for accessibility). Qualifying expenses would also include certain labor costs related to the preparation, assembly, or installation of an eligible modification. This legislation would address a gap for older adults to allow them to remain in their homes.
Omnibus Act (Reintroduced) and Moms Matter Act (one of 14 bills): A comprehensive legislative package designed to end the nation’s maternal health crisis and eliminate racial disparities in maternal health outcomes, increase investments in maternal mental health programs, and expand this vital workforce to better support moms and pregnant women.
From USCCB:
Proposed Rulemaking from US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR): Sponsor requirements for unaccompanied children include proof of identity, background check, placement and income verification. USCCB says these requirements could exclude otherwise eligible parents and relatives from sponsoring children, creating excessive barriers to reunification and unnecessarily prolonging children’s stays in government custody. USCCB urges ORR to "…look to the totality of the circumstances to determine the best interests of each child.”
Update on the Job Corps Program: As of August 10, the Administration formally agreed to abandon efforts to shutter the 99 Job Corps centers around the country. This program has helped millions of at-risk youth by providing job training, housing, and assistance with GEDs.
The 112th World Day of Migrants and Refugees will be observed by the Catholic Church on Sunday, September 27, 2026, with the theme, “Even Just One of These Children.” The Pope emphasizes moving past statistics and percentages to recognize the infinite dignity of every individual child, highlighting the dangers they face—such as trafficking, exploitation, separation from families, and trauma along migration routes.
Thank you for your advocacy.
Marie Copeland, Chair