BREAKING: New York Governor Kathy Hochul has just announced a groundbreaking plan to invest $4.5 billion in child care, aimed at relieving the financial burden on families across the state. This move is expected to significantly lower child care costs for nearly 100,000 children, saving families billions each year.
Families like the Babars, who spend an astounding $1,600 a month for daycare, are feeling the pressure. “Cost-wise, for one kid, it’s about $20,000 a year for day care,” said Kirpaul Babar, emphasizing the staggering impact on their finances. “For us, that’s more than our monthly mortgage payment,” added his wife, Jeanne Babar. The Babars, parents of a 6 and a 2-year-old, are advocates for universal child care, believing that reducing costs would even encourage them to have more children.
Governor Hochul’s ambitious plan includes making pre-K education universal statewide, assisting counties in developing affordable child care models, and expanding subsidies to tens of thousands of additional families. However, not everyone is on board.
Republicans, including Assemblyman Ed Ra, are questioning the feasibility of this plan. “The question comes down to the dollars,” Ra stated. “It’s whether it’s realistic to think this plan can be done within our existing revenue streams.” The proposed $1.7 billion increase in funding for fiscal year 2027 raises concerns about the financial implications for taxpayers.
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 address the plight of child care providers. “We have a real workforce shortage; if they’re not being paid well, they’re not going to want to do the work,” warned Rebecca Bailin, executive director of New Yorkers United for Child Care. Currently, child care providers earn an average of only $37,000 a year, placing them near poverty wages.
In New York City, Governor Hochul is partnering with Mayor Zohran Mamdani to introduce a new 2-Care program while also ensuring universal access to 3K education.
This urgent initiative is not just about numbers; it affects families’ daily lives. The Babars are among countless families hoping for relief from the crushing costs of child care that dictate their financial choices. As this plan unfolds, all eyes will be on how the state manages to balance funding with the needs of its citizens, particularly the most vulnerable.
Stay tuned for more updates as this critical issue develops, and share your thoughts on how these changes could impact your family or community.
