NEW YORK — In the last legislative session, New York State legislators made substantial progress by passing innovative bills that would address pressing gaps in accessing child care. The next crucial step is Governor Kathy Hochul’s decisive action.
The Governor’s immediate signature on these bills is essential for ensuring that New York’s youngest and most vulnerable residents receive the care and education they urgently need. The proposed child care legislation marks a transformative shift towards a more equitable system.
The introduction of presumptive eligibility for child care subsidies will dramatically reduce bureaucratic hurdles that have long impeded access to essential services. Additionally, eliminating the minimum wage requirement eliminates restrictions for the highest need parents. These changes in policy are vital to prevent families from facing economic hardship and to encourage workforce participation.
It is concerning that the Governor has not yet called up a previously vetoed decoupling bill—a key component of this reform package. Without Governor Hochul’s full support, New York’s efforts to create a fair and accessible child care system will be compromised. The decoupling bill represents a crucial step toward equity, ensuring that all families, regardless of whether they are private pay or receive subsidies, receive the same level of support.
Governor Hochul, the time for action is now. Your signature on these bills will demonstrate a commitment to advancing New York’s support systems for its youngest residents and their families. The well-being of New York’s children—and the dedicated professionals who serve them—depends on it.
For media inquiries, please contact Elizabeth Chmurak at [email protected].
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About EdTrust-New York: EdTrust-New York works to eliminate the gaps in equity and opportunity that hold back too many students from reaching their full potential, especially those who are from low-income backgrounds or students of color, in order to enable all students in New York State to achieve at high levels — from early childhood through college. Learn more at EdTrustNY.org.