Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted major new investments in child care during a visit to the Hudson Guild Children’s Center, celebrating a $2.2 billion statewide funding boost as part of New York’s fiscal year 2026 budget.
The funding package delivers historic relief for working families across the state, including a record expansion of child care subsidies, new support for child care centers, higher child tax credits, and universal free school meals.
Key initiatives in the FY 2026 budget
- $2.2 billion for child care access, including $400 million to save child care subsidies statewide and $350 million directed to families in New York City.
- $110 million for building and renovating child care centers, targeting child care deserts across the state.
- Child Tax Credit expansion, increasing credits to $1,000 per child under 4 and $500 per child aged 4-16 — the highest levels in state history.
- $340 million to fund universal free school meals, saving families an average of $1,600 per child each year.
“These investments make child care more accessible, more affordable, and more sustainable for families throughout New York,” Governor Hochul said. “When we support working families, we support the entire state of New York.”
Building on historic child care investments
The FY 2026 budget builds on Governor Hochul’s $7 billion commitment over the past two years to improve child care access. That initiative raised the eligibility threshold for assistance to cover families of four earning up to $108,000, with eligible families paying just $15 per week.
The Governor has also launched programs to support child care providers, including higher reimbursement rates, bonuses for quality improvement, and payments for non-traditional work hours. Additionally, the Green CHIPS law now requires companies receiving state support to provide child care assistance for workers.
Supporting families and strengthening the workforce
Beyond child care, the budget’s Child Tax Credit expansion and universal free meals aim to reduce household costs and boost economic stability.
Hudson Guild Executive Director Ken Jockers praised the Governor’s visit, noting the vital role early childhood education plays in preparing children for kindergarten and fostering healthy social and emotional development.
With these new investments, Governor Hochul said New York is taking major steps to ensure that every family has the support they need to thrive.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].