State lawmakers and advocates are urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to expand her child care proposals ahead of her State of the State address, emphasizing the need for comprehensive reforms to improve affordability and access for New York families.
While Hochul has proposed $110 million for new child care centers, tripling the state child tax credit, and addressing staff shortages, lawmakers argue more ambitious actions are needed. Key proposals include eliminating minimum earning requirements for child care subsidies, boosting early childhood educator salaries, and creating continuous funding streams for the sector.
Advocates warn that without significant investment, families will continue to struggle with child care costs, which are 155% higher than public college tuition in New York. Lawmakers like Assemblymember Sarah Clark and Senator Jessica Ramos are pushing for changes in the state budget to address these inequities and deliver on the promise of universal child care.
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