Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Officer
“This tremendous increase in funding will make it possible for thousands of working families to provide their children with the high-quality care they need, and the high-quality care they deserve,” Chancellor Banks said.
By Forum Staff
Weeks after Mayor Eric Adams and parents across the five boroughs asked State lawmakers to fight for an affordable expansion of quality education, City officials on Friday celebrated the allocation of $4 billion in the State budget for child care in New York City over four years, as well as the authorization of new tax incentives to increase the number of childcare seats in the Big Apple.
“We are grateful for Gov. Hochul for her support for New York City’s youngest children,” said City Schools Chancellor David Banks. “This tremendous increase in funding will make it possible for thousands of working families to provide their children with the high-quality care they need, and the high-quality care they deserve. Education is a lifelong journey, and we are committed to ensuring that all children begin this journey with their best foot forward.”
While New York City will receive $4 billion over four years, the state allocated a total of $7 billion for the whole state. In addition to investing in children and families, this investment will ensure NYC providers and childcare workers feel supported and have the resources necessary to run successful programs.
In addition, the State acted on two critical priorities the Adams administration pushed for to increase the number of childcare seats throughout the city. In the adopted budget, the state authorized the city to provide property tax abatements to property owners who retrofit property to establish childcare centers. It also authorized the city to offer a tax credit for businesses that provide free or subsidized childcare to their employees. Together, these incentives are estimated to create thousands of new childcare seats if fully utilized.
New York City has approximately 500,000 children aged 5 and younger. Adams administration officials said they aim to maximize all funding to reach as many families in need who are currently not receiving care.
“Today is a win for New York City families and for our kids,” Adams said. “Raising a family in New York City shouldn’t be hard, so we are making things a little easier for working families by expanding access to high quality childcare programs across our city. This historic investment of $4 billion will expand quality childcare comes at a crucial time, while families struggle with the increase in the cost of living and lost wages as a result of the pandemic. I am grateful to Gov. Hochul and my colleagues in the state that fought for New York City families and delivered. Promises made, promises kept.”
Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Sheena Wright added, “This administration made a promise to working parents across New York City to deliver critical childcare funding — and that’s exactly what we did. Childcare centers are foundational to families, creating a space for children to learn, grow, and simply to be kids. With this historic funding, we are beginning a transformative moment for child care, supports for high-quality providers, and bringing much-needed peace of mind to parents.”
