Childcare advocates are rallying to see the state release funding from the CARES Act to providers across New York.
Members of the Child Care Council, the Children’s Agenda and other local groups gathered, saying that the pandemic has brought about major problems for an already-stressed service, according to 13WHAM.
“During the pandemic, existing issues with child care have only become worse,” said Assemblyman Harry Bronson, who spoke at Thursday’s news conference. “For years, child care has been expensive and overlooked as a crucial problem by many, and today it is estimated that more than 70% of parents are spending 10% or more of their household income on child care. Parents are worried the pandemic will exacerbate the already-high childcare costs.”
The funds total nearly $70 million in addition to at least $10 million from the Essential Workers Scholarship Program.
“These funds should be used to support the programs that will reopen childcare centers, as well as supporting those programs that risk everything to stay open,” Bronson added.
Advocates say that 70% of parents are spending more than 10% of their income on childcare at the moment. And that the percentage is not sustainable.
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