New York advocates urge increased child care funding

New York's state budget talks are progressing as officials work toward addressing key issues. Governor Kathy Hochul is pushing for a ban on cell phone use in schools during class time. State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins reported that negotiations are ongoing, though a final budget by April 1 is uncertain. Child care advocates are also raising concerns about funding during these talks. A group of lawmakers gathered in the Capitol, emphasizing that the state needs to allocate more funds to the Child Care Assistance Program. They warned that many counties are running low on resources, impacting access for low-income families. Advocates highlighted the urgency for at least $500 million in additional funding for child care assistance. Current budget proposals fall short, with the governor's plan suggesting flat funding. The Senate proposes only a slight increase, while the Assembly suggests a larger bump. Advocates stress that without proper support, families may struggle to maintain child care services.