Governor Kathy Hochul visited the B.C. Center child care facility at SUNY Broome to promote a new state pilot program aimed at expanding child care access for children aged zero to three in Broome, Dutchess, and Monroe counties. The initiative is part of a broader $4.5 billion statewide investment to achieve universal child care in New York.
The pilot will provide $60 million in state funding, with additional contributions from the participating counties. During her visit, Governor Hochul met with students enrolled in SUNY’s Reconnect Program whose children benefit from on-campus child care services.
“Making New York the best place to raise a family begins with fulfilling my promise to deliver universal child care for all New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “The B.C. Center serves as a unique example of how this innovative pilot program will not only support families of all income levels but also provide students with the peace of mind that their children are safe and well-cared for while they continue their education.”
Broome County Executive Jason T. Garnar stated, “Affordable, reliable child care is one of the biggest challenges facing working families, and this pilot partnership is a real step forward for parents balancing building their careers and raising their children. This investment will further expand access to high-quality child care in Broome County, and we’re grateful for Governor Hochul’s continued commitment to supporting working families and investing in our kids’ future.”
The B.C. Center supports SUNY Broome students—including those in the SUNY Reconnect Program—staff, and local community members by providing licensed early childhood education services.
SUNY Reconnect offers free associate degrees in high-demand fields for adults ages 25 to 55 without college degrees through the New York State Opportunity Promise scholarship. The program covers tuition, fees, books, and supplies.
Governor Hochul has pledged further investments toward universal pre-kindergarten (Pre-K) across New York by the 2028-2029 school year. Additional funding will be provided both for new Pre-K seats and increased support for existing ones so that districts can offer high-quality programs.
New York has more than doubled its investment in the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), increasing eligibility and expanding subsidies so that most families pay no more than $15 per week for child care. The number of children served by CCAP has grown by almost 25 percent over the past year alone.
This year’s budget increases state investment in child care subsidies by $1.2 billion—raising total available funds above $3 billion—which is more than triple what was available before Governor Hochul took office.
In New York City, plans are underway to launch free child care for two-year-olds (“2-Care”) alongside strengthening existing Pre-K and 3K programs through full state funding during initial implementation years.
A new Office of Child Care and Early Education will oversee these efforts statewide, including workforce development initiatives such as expanded scholarships and streamlined educator preparation programs at SUNY and CUNY institutions.
SUNY Chancellor John King Jr. commented: “SUNY is proud to support Governor Hochul’s affordability agenda — from ensuring access to quality childcare for New York families to the affordable excellence of a SUNY college degree. Opportunities for adult learners at community colleges, including the Governor’s successful SUNY Reconnect program, are changing lives, empowering New Yorkers, and setting our state up for long term economic growth. Ensuring that adult learners have the support needed to focus on their classes, especially childcare opportunities, is a key necessity, and we are proud to work with Governor Hochul to expand childcare services throughout New York State.”
The SUNY Board of Trustees added: “We are proud to support Governor Hochul’s efforts to expand childcare opportunities for New York families, and applaud her leadership on this critical issue. SUNY students deserve an affordable, high-quality public education and the support necessary to thrive in their courses. We thank Governor Hochul for visiting SUNY Broome to help highlight these efforts, and look forward to continuing our partnership to increase childcare opportunities throughout New York State.”
State Senator Lea Webb said: “Childcare is essential infrastructure for New York’s workforce and economy. This is a major step forward for families in Broome County who have long struggled to find affordable, reliable childcare, especially for our youngest children. I thank the Governor for including Broome County in this pilot program.”
Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo remarked: “We know how challenging the cost of child care is to most families, impacting their economic security and future plans. I am thrilled that Broome County was chosen to host one of the state’s child care pilot programs and that planning is underway to achieve universal Pre-K for four-year-olds by 2028. This is a high priority as we negotiate the state budget along with ensuring child care professionals are paid wages commensurate with this important responsibility. Thank you to the Governor for advancing this important initiative.”
Governor Hochul also announced plans to expand and simplify the Child and Dependent Care Credit tax benefit by an average of $575 per eligible filer while reviewing employer tax incentives related to employee child care needs.
Over recent years under Governor Hochul’s administration:
– The number of children served by subsidies has more than doubled.
– More than $8.6 billion has been allocated toward child care.
– Eligibility limits have increased from 200% of federal poverty level (about $64k/family-of-four) up toward 85% of statewide median income (about $114k/family-of-four).
– Subsidy costs have been capped at $15/week per family.
– Provider reimbursement rates rose nearly 50%.
– Over $150 million was invested into creating new centers/seats across communities.