KCS Public Health & Research Center Joins Citywide Coalition at NYCBenefits Rally, Urging Inclusion in NYC FY27 Adopted Budget

New York, NY — June 4, 2026 — The KCS Public Health & Research Center (PHRC) proudly participated in the NYCBenefits coalition rally, joining more than 60 advocates and representatives from 30 organizations in a unified call for sustainable, long-term funding for the NYCBenefits program.

The rally coincided with a New York City Council hearing at which Finance Committee Chair Linda Lee and Council Member Alexa Aviles questioned Department of Social Services (DSS) Commissioner Erin Dalton and HRA Administrator Scott French about the program's fiscal future.

Commissioner Dalton further indicated that shortly after the budget's adoption, agency leadership would move quickly to engage partners in discussions about the program's future direction and multi-year planning.

During the hearing, Council Members also requested data on the program's effectiveness. Key performance indicators presented underscored NYCBenefits' growing impact across New York City communities:

$20M+ => In SNAP benefits generated — exceeding total program cost for SNAP alone

30 => Organizations represented at today's rally

60+ => Advocates and community members in attendance

In addition, officials confirmed that application volume this year is on track to exceed last year's totals, and that applicants are now significantly more likely to receive successful benefit determinations — reflecting the program's growing efficiency and reach.

The rally featured remarks from community advocates and frontline workers, highlighting the direct impact NYCBenefits has had on low-income households across the five boroughs. KCS PHRC's participation reflects the organization's ongoing commitment to health equity, social determinants of health, and community-centered policy advocacy.

As the Mayor and City Council continue budget negotiations ahead of the June 30 deadline, the NYCBenefits coalition will maintain its advocacy efforts. Upcoming milestones include the June 10 DSS provider call, a coalition check-in debrief, and the June 11 City Council stated meeting, where advocates plan to distribute materials and speak directly with Council Members about the program's value.