Universal Child Care

New York State must fulfill its commitment to affordable, high-quality child care for all families. Instead of cutting child care subsidies, we should be increasing support for children and families. Every child deserves access to the care and early learning they need to thrive, and families shouldn’t be forced to make do with less. It’s critical that we invest in the child care workforce, ensuring caregivers are paid fairly, and that all families—no matter their income—can access quality care. Investing in child care is investing in the future of our children, families, and communities. Quality child care is a foundation for success in public education and a stronger, more equitable society.

In the final days of the 2024 legislative session, the Legislature passed three critical bills that would make child care more accessible for thousands of families across New York State. Governor Hochul must sign these bills immediately to ensure families can get the care they need and deserve.

• A.8878/S.8152, known as decoupling, would make it easier for working parents—especially those in the gig economy or jobs with fluctuating schedules—to access child care by separating child care assistance from a parent’s work hours.
• A.4099-A/S.4667-A, known as presumptive eligibility, would allow families quick access to child care assistance while waiting for application processing, ensuring that parents don’t lose job opportunities and children experience more continuity of care.
• A.1303-A/S.4924-A, known as ending the minimum earnings requirement, would end New York’s unfair practice of denying child care assistance to parents whose earnings are below the minimum wage, including small business owners and gig workers who are often left out.

These bills passed both chambers of the Legislature with overwhelming bipartisan support. Governor Hochul must act now to sign them into law and remove the barriers to child care assistance that so many families face.

TAKE ACTION NOW. You can help make sure these important bills become law. Click here to send a message to Governor Hochul and urge her to sign these bills into law today!