URGENT UPDATE: Hundreds of parents, advocates, and child care providers are gathering at the New York State Capitol in Albany today to demand the implementation of universal child care. The rally, which is set to commence shortly, aims to urge the state legislature to act swiftly on this critical initiative.
Advocates are rallying behind Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent proposal included in the state budget, which they describe as a long-awaited victory. Cheryl Wearen of the Children’s Agenda in Rochester stated, “Now we’ll have the ability to have our children go out and get what they need, parents can go work hours if needed, and the support is unanimous with everything we’ve been doing for all these years.”
During a recent interview, Governor Hochul indicated that the timeline for rolling out universal child care in upstate New York hinges on the performance of three pilot programs located in Monroe, Broome, and Duchess Counties. Each of these counties will receive a total of $20 million from this year’s budget proposal to support these initiatives.
The state’s ambitious plan carries a total price tag of $4.5 billion, with more than a quarter of that amount earmarked for expanding child care subsidies for families. The governor expressed hope that the pilot programs will deliver valuable insights and solutions as she works to expand access to child care for families across New York.
The rally today is a crucial moment for advocates who have tirelessly pushed for this policy change, emphasizing its importance for working parents and the overall well-being of children in the state. As the event unfolds, expect updates on the response from legislators and the broader implications for child care access in New York.
Stay tuned for more developments as parents and advocates make their voices heard in Albany, pushing for a future where universal child care is a reality.
