ALBANY, NY (Erie News Now)-- As the next legislative session and state budget approaches, some New York State lawmakers express concern about the increasing percentage of child poverty rates. 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the child poverty rate more than doubled in the past year across the country. 

Some New York State lawmakers are hoping to reduce child poverty rates in the state by passing legislation to expand certain tax credits. 

“Now we have to work to expand the credit so families are getting more money in their pockets, so they can pay for food, school supplies, clothes, basic necessities,” said Sen. Andrew Gounardes (D-26th Senate District).

The legislation intends to create a working families tax credit in the state that would boost the state's existing child tax credit and the state earned income tax credit ranging from $500 to $1500 per child. 

Some advocates said the child tax credit is a direct way of helping people in poverty. 

“Children who grow up in poverty or who experience spells of poverty, have poorer outcomes often not always, often over the long term,” said Kate Breslin, President of Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy.

Sen. Gounardes said this issue should be top of mind when lawmakers return to Albany in January.