UPDATE: New York Governor Kathy Hochul has just announced a bold plan to increase investments in child care, aiming to ease the financial burdens faced by families across the state. This initiative could potentially save New York families $4.5 billion by fiscal year 2027, impacting nearly 100,000 children.
The urgency of this announcement resonates deeply with parents like Kirpaul and Jeanne Babar from New York, who are struggling under the weight of soaring child care costs. “For one kid, it’s about $20,000 a year for day care,” Kirpaul Babar stated. “We spend $1,600 a month, which is more than our monthly mortgage payment.” The Babars, who have a 6 and a 2-year-old, advocate for universal child care, expressing that lower costs could have allowed them to expand their family.
Hochul’s plan includes several key components: making pre-K universal statewide, providing support for counties to develop affordable child care models, and expanding subsidies for tens of thousands of families. This multifaceted approach aims to address both accessibility and affordability in child care services.
However, the proposal has sparked debate among lawmakers. Republican Assemblyman Ed Ra voiced concerns, questioning whether the proposed $1.7 billion increase is fiscally sustainable within existing revenue streams. “The question comes down to the dollars,” Ra remarked, emphasizing the need for realistic planning.
Advocates for child care reform, such as New Yorkers United for Child Care and the Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy, argue that while investments are crucial, they must also include fair compensation for child care providers. “We have a real workforce shortage,” said Rebecca Bailin, Executive Director of New Yorkers United for Child Care. “If they’re not being paid well, they’re not going to want to do the work.”
The current average salary for child care workers is approximately $37,000 a year, a figure some describe as near poverty wages. “We know we cannot achieve statewide universal child care without investing in this workforce,” said Dede Hill, Vice President of Policy at the Schuyler Center.
In an effort to address these challenges specifically in New York City, Hochul is collaborating with Mayor Zohran Mamdani to launch a new program called 2-Care and is working to ensure universal access to 3K programs.
As the situation develops, parents and advocates across New York are watching closely, hoping that Hochul’s ambitious plans will lead to real change. The urgent need for affordable child care is clear, and this plan could be a game-changer for families struggling under financial pressures.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds and impacts the lives of families across New York.
