NEW YORK — Weeks after asking the state for assistance in expanding early childhood education, New York City Mayor Eric Adams got his request.
Adams joined New York City Department of Education (DOE) Chancellor David C. Banks, elected officials and parents on Friday to celebrate the appropriation of $4 billion in the state budget for child care in the Big Apple for four years, as well as authorizing new tax incentives to increase the number of child care positions in New York City.
The historic investment in child care expansion comes weeks after Mayor Adams and New York City parents called on state lawmakers to fight for an affordable expansion of quality education.
New York City has approximately 500,000 children ages 5 and under.
“Today is a victory for New York City families and for our children,” said Mayor Adams. “Raising a family in New York City shouldn’t be difficult, so we’re making things a little easier for working families by expanding access to high-quality child care programs throughout our city. This historic $4 billion investment that will expand quality child care comes at a crucial time as families grapple with increased cost of living and lost wages as a result of the pandemic.”
Although New York City will receive $4 billion over four years, the state has allocated a total of $7 billion for the entire state. In addition to investing in the children and families of New York City, this investment will ensure that Big Apple child care providers and workers feel supported and have the resources they need to run successful programs.
Additionally, the state acted on two critical priorities that the Adams administration pushed to increase the number of child care positions citywide. In the adopted budget, the state authorized the city to provide property tax abatements to property owners who retrofit property to establish child care centers. It also authorized the city to offer a tax credit for businesses that provide free or subsidized child care to their employees. Together, these incentives are estimated to create thousands of new child care seats if fully utilized.
“We are grateful to Governor Hochul for her support of New York City’s youngest children,” said Chancellor Banks. “This tremendous increase in funding will make it possible for thousands of working families to give their children 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 every child starts this journey with the best foot forward.”
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