The high cost of child care is a real problem for many families in this city that a bill wants to end through a free child care program.
The bill was introduced by Councilmembers Kevin Riley and Jennifer Gutierrez, who recently became a mom.
“We cannot continue putting the necessary funds for education and child care at risk,” Gutiérrez said.
Gutierrez added that in New York City the average annual cost for child care is between $10,000 and $20,000. A very high amount that adds to the increase in the cost of living in general.
And that’s why the objective of this bill is that four years after its approval, child care will be free for all children in New York City – including undocumented children – between the ages of 6 weeks and 5 years. This is regardless of the income of the parents.
“We said that we care about that, we know the value of women returning to work in our economy,” added the councilor.
Gutierrez also put a message on social networks about the proposal.
“Today, I’m introducing a landmark bill to create free Universal Child Care in New York City. #UCCinNYC is a comprehensive plan that supports under-invested families, providers and communities.
“It’s time we completely re-imagined the care economy; we can’t afford NOT to do this,” the message read.
Today, I am introducing a historic bill to create free Universal Child Care in NYC. #UCInNYC is a comprehensive plan that supports families, providers, and disinvested communities.
It is time that we completely reimagine the economy of care – we can’t afford NOT to do this. pic.twitter.com/TjXqWRHFJU
— CM Jen Gutiérrez (@CMJenGutierrez) March 2, 2023
The proposal seeks the Department of Education to increase the number of places in free childcare programs for younger students.
The bill also requires child care to be offered at night and on weekends.
And that in addition, they increase the salary of the employees of this universal daycare program.
“The majority of the industry is women, immigrant women, women of color who are still advocating for a pay raise right now,” Gutierrez said.
Gutiérrez does not yet have an estimate of what this would cost the city. But he says he’ll request a cost analysis soon.
“We’re going to see child care as an investment and not a cost.”
This comes at a time when the current administration is reluctant to invest more funds in the expansion of the 3k child care program.
Pre, 3K and 4K employees have complained about government mismanagement and failure to pay vendors.
But Gutiérrez said that she feels confident that this bill will be approved since some 20 councilors support her.
“Many people say they support him, what we are saying now is let’s make the plan and make it a reality,” said Gutiérrez.
