New York State must fulfill its commitment to providing affordable, high-quality child care for all families. Instead of increasing support for child care, Governor Hochul has continued to underfund the programs families depend on. Every child needs 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 not just about convenience, it 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 have made child care more accessible to thousands of families across New York. These bills had overwhelming bipartisan support, reflecting the broad recognition of the need for reform. However, in the last couple of weeks of December 2024, Governor Hochul chose to veto two of these vital bills and signed a watered-down version of the Presumptive Eligibility Bill:
- The Decoupling Bill (A.8878/S.8152): This bill would have made it easier for working parents – especially those in unpredictable or gig economy jobs – to access child care by separating child care assistance from a parent’s work hours. Governor Hochul vetoed this bill, denying stability and consistent care for families whose work schedules vary, such as in retail, hospitality, or gig work.
- The Minimum Earnings Requirement Bill (A.1303-A/S.4924-A): This bill aimed to remove income barriers and allow more families to qualify for child care assistance, including small business owners and low-wage workers who are often excluded. Governor Hochul vetoed this bill, leaving the most vulnerable families without the support they desperately need.
- The Presumptive Eligibility Bill (A.4099-A/S.4667-A): This bill was designed to provide immediate access to child care assistance while families’ applications were processed, ensuring parents could continue working and children wouldn’t experience gaps in care. While Governor Hochul signed a watered-down version of the bill, it is important to note that this version falls short of the bill’s original intent. It’s thanks to the relentless advocacy from members of communities across the state and dedicated state legislators that any version of this bill came into law, and it will offer some relief to families while they await approval for assistance.
Governor Hochul’s vetoes directly harm working families – especially Black, brown, immigrant, and low-income communities. These actions show that child care is not a priority for her administration. Families need better than this.
Together with the Empire State Campaign for Child Care, we will continue to push for transformative, equitable child care policies. New Yorkers need better, and families need stable, affordable child care, and children need every opportunity to thrive.
Take Action Now! Attend Child Care Advocacy Day on February 8, 2025 and help us make sure child care is a priority in 2025. Stand with us and the Empire State Campaign for Child Care to demand that our leaders act on behalf of working families and ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.