State of the State: Gov. Hochul proposes $110M for childcare expansion, Rochester advocates weigh in

Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed a $110 million initiative to expand childcare access across New York State, focusing on constructing new childcare centers and renovating existing ones to address statewide childcare deserts. The plan, announced ahead of her upcoming State of the State Address, includes additional measures to tackle staffing shortages and improve access.

Key components of the proposal include creating a substitute teacher pool to support childcare programs and forming a coalition to develop a plan for universal childcare. These efforts aim to address persistent challenges such as long waiting lists, especially for infant and toddler programs, and staffing difficulties.

Pete Nabozny, director of policy for The Children’s Agenda in Rochester, emphasized the significance of these investments, highlighting how recent state funding has already improved access in Monroe County, with more families receiving childcare assistance than in over a decade.

The initiative complements Governor Hochul’s earlier announcement to expand the Child Care Tax Credit, which would provide eligible families with increased annual funds for children enrolled in state assistance programs. The full details will be outlined in her State of the State Address in Albany next week.

Source: Rochester First