Thousands of low-income families in New York City could lose access to child care if the state doesn’t fill a nearly $1 billion funding gap in its voucher program, threatening support for up to 7,000 families each month. The shortfall stems from the end of pandemic-era federal aid and rising demand, and without new state investment, families who rely on affordable care to work may be forced back into poverty. Advocates warn the cuts would also destabilize providers and undermine economic participation, making sustained child care funding a critical and urgent priority.
