Over the past 14 months, a movement was born to fight for a city where every New Yorker could afford a life of dignity and every family could afford to raise their kids. Today, Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Mamdani meet that movement as they celebrate their joint commitment to universal child care.
Betting on Mamdani’s platform idea, Governor Hochul committed the state to fully funding the first two years of New York City’s new so-called “2-care” program. Hochul announced an additional investment of $1.7 billion, bringing the fiscal 2027 child care and pre-K investment statewide to $4.5 billion.
According to Hochul’s press release, her administration has invested a total of $8 billion in child care across New York State. “Since taking office, I’ve put families front and center, fighting to make our state more affordable and laying the groundwork to deliver universal childcare,” Hochul said in a statement. “Today, I’m proud to partner with Mayor Mamdani and leaders across our state to make this a reality.”
Mayor Mamdani campaigned on increasing taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers and large corporations to fund his proposed policies, which are expected to have substantial costs, including universal child care and free busing. He has vowed to govern as a “democratic socialist” and embrace big government initiatives.
In addition to funding, Hochul’s administration will establish a statewide Office of Child Care and Early Education to implement the plan and oversee early childhood education programs throughout New York State.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/infrastructure/4411594/hochul-mamdani-free-child-care-2-year-olds/
