With new momentum from Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s win, child care advocates unveiled a phased plan to bring universal child care to New York, Spectrum News reports.
The Empire State Campaign for Child Care proposes wage boosts for workers and two “bridge” models: free care for low-income communities and $100-a-week care open to all families—no income, work, or immigration requirements.
Advocates hope Gov. Hochul includes the plan in her 2026 budget. Lawmakers agree a gradual rollout is likely but stress the urgency for families in need now.
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