A new effort is underway to secure significant funding for New York’s diverse Latino community.

Leaders of the newly formed coalition, Latinos United for Change (LUCHA), are asking Gov. Kathy Hochul for a $350 million allocation in the 2025 state budget to support Latino-led and Latino-serving organizations.

“Latinos represent 1 in 5 New Yorkers...When you look at indicators of success, Latinos are really not doing well. Only 54% of Latinos have a high school diploma or less. Latinos are locked into low-wage work, and we’re not going to college,” said Assembly Member Amanda Septimo.

The coalition’s mission is to tackle these issues through a comprehensive Latino legislative agenda aimed at creating new pathways to success. They believe $350 million in state funding would be a vital step toward addressing these inequities.

“$350 million would go to nonprofit organizations that exist all across New York, that are already serving the Latino community and doing great work,” Assembly Member Septimo said. “It would help expand the programs we know are working and establish new initiatives to change some of these negative trends that affect Latinos.”

“We want budget equity, making sure that we have the money for the services that we need to be felt in our streets and in our communities,” said State Senator Jessica Ramos. “We deserve nothing less, and we look forward to working with Governor Hochul because I know she cares about our communities.”

In response, a spokesperson from Gov. Hochul’s office noted her continued support for New York’s Latino communities, although they did not directly address the coalition’s request for $350 million.

“At a time when Latinos are being subject to unfair political attacks, Gov. Hochul is proud to stand with New York’s Latino community,” the spokesperson said. “Gov. Hochul has appointed more than 90 respected Latino leaders to prominent administration posts, has invested record funding in small businesses, education, and cultural centers that serve Latino New Yorkers, and will continue working with the Latino community.”

LUCHA leaders are optimistic about receiving the governor’s backing. They believe the requested resources and policies could significantly impact Latino families across New York.