And a new Democrat-sponsored bill would delay the electric school bus mandate.

That number is up from 21 last July. New York City's waitlist alone has surged to over 17,000 — a tenfold increase in less than a year.

Affordable childcare means parents aren't forced to choose between raising their kids and keeping their jobs. It means better outcomes for all of us.

Clark emphasizes child care’s impact on working parents and the economy.

If you’ve dropped off your child to head to work, you know the important role that childcare educators play for our families and our economy. Here in Queens and throughout

New York City isn't the only place pushing to expand free child care. We check in on this growing trend, and how states and cities are paying for it.

The group sent a letter to the governor's office saying Erie County is facing a $23.1 million deficit in the Child Care Assistance Program.

YouTube video by AQENY1

As Republicans urge Americans to have more children but offer few supportive policies, Democrats believe reducing child care costs could be a winning message.

The state greatly expanded the eligibility for child care subsidies, yet didn't provide the money needed to keep up with increased demand.

Podcast Episode · The Empire State Campaign for Child Care Podcast · 02/03/2026 · 9m

Without an investment in early childhood education teachers, expanded child care access will strain an already-fragile system.

Families say they’re cutting down their work hours or scraping money together to afford child care without the subsidies.

Advocates and providers say the salary for child care workers is less than a livable wage.

Workforce funding has been a long-term issue for which advocates have sought a permanent solution well before the Mamdani era.

YouTube video by EMPIRE STATE CAMPAIGN FOR CHILD CARE

Luisa wakes up before the sun rises in the Bronx. She’s checking the day’s schedule: an infant arriving at 6 a.m., a toddler who will stay until 7:30 p.m., a preschooler whose mother picks him up a…

Expanded access to the Pre-K and more funding for child care subsidies would have the biggest impact.

As the legislative session kicks off and all focus in Albany turns to the state budget, discussions around funding streams for child care will become unavoidable.

New York Democratic officials criticized the news, and child care providers feared the move could have devastating consequences for families and children.

Political will is strong, and advocacy groups are laying out roadmaps...but the price tag is still daunting.

New York state lawmakers face numerous issues when returning to Capitol on Wednesday.

Raising taxes and enacting the Mamdani agenda are likely to be major points of conflict.

A statewide coalition of New York organizations calls for Gov. Hochul to enact their plan for universal child care.

Advocates have outlined several factors should be considered when creating a universal program.