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Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton (D/WFP-125AD, Tompkins/Cortland) announced that the Assembly's one-house budget proposal invests $92.4 million to support new child care subsidies, afterschool care, facilitated enrollment and child care centers at SUNY and CUNY campuses. This follows the Assembly's passage in February of paid family leave legislation that would allow employees to take paid time off from work to care for a newborn or a sick relative.

"One of the biggest worries facing New York families is the exorbitant cost of child care," said Lifton. "Studies show that the cost of raising a child has become significantly more expensive over the last three decades, and this is especially true for working families. New Yorkers shouldn't be forced to choose between keeping their jobs and caring for their families."

Under the Assembly's proposal, $75 million would be allocated to support the creation of 10,000 new child care slots with priority consideration for homeless families. The Assembly's proposal also includes $8.4 million in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds that would be earmarked for the state's Facilitated Enrollment program to provide working families with incomes up to 275 percent of the federal poverty level with access to affordable and consistent child care. An additional $7 million is included for the Advantage After School program. In addition, $2 million would be restored to support child care centers at SUNY and CUNY campuses, a sign of the Assembly's commitment to help families work to advance their education.

"I'm proud to support this budget proposal," said Lifton. "While it won't take care of all the need for subsidized day care, it's a significant step forward in helping New York families in this critical way. As New Yorkers increasingly find it more expensive to raise a family, we must redouble our efforts to expand access to affordable, quality child care for all."

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