Governor Kathy Hochul visited the B.C. Center child care facility at SUNY Broome to discuss a new state pilot program designed to expand access to child care for children aged zero to three in Broome, Dutchess, and Monroe counties. The initiative is part of a $4.5 billion investment aimed at making universal child care available across New York State.
The pilot program includes $60 million in state funding, supplemented by investments from each participating county. During her visit, Governor Hochul met with students enrolled in SUNY’s Reconnect Program whose children attend the on-campus childcare center.
“Making New York the best place to raise a family begins with fulfilling my promise to deliver universal child care for all New Yorkers,” said Governor Hochul. “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 commented, “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 provides licensed child care services on the SUNY Broome campus for students, staff, and community members, focusing on early learning through play-based activities and strong partnerships with families.
SUNY’s Reconnect Program offers free associate degrees in high-demand fields for New Yorkers aged 25 to 55 without a college degree. It covers tuition, fees, books, and supplies through the New York State Opportunity Promise scholarship.
Governor Hochul’s broader plan includes increasing access to Pre-K programs statewide by providing additional funding so that all four-year-olds can attend by the 2028-2029 school year. The state plans to raise funding per Pre-K seat up to $10,000 or match current foundation aid per pupil—an effort totaling about half a billion dollars.
Under Hochul’s administration, investments in the Child Care Assistance Program have more than doubled. The program now serves an additional 100,000 children compared to when she took office—a nearly 25 percent increase over the past year—with most families paying no more than $15 per week for child care subsidies.
This year’s budget proposes another $1.2 billion increase for subsidies—raising total available funds above $3 billion—which is over three times what was provided before Hochul became governor.
New York City will also see expanded efforts with a planned rollout of free child care for two-year-olds (“2-Care”) and improvements to existing 3K programs. The state will fully fund the first two years of implementation in partnership with city officials.
A new Office of Child Care and Early Education will oversee these initiatives across New York State—including Pre-K expansion, voucher improvements, workforce support measures such as scholarships and grants—and help streamline early childhood education programs within SUNY and CUNY institutions.
SUNY Chancellor John King Jr. stated: “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 remarked: “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 said: “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.”
The governor also announced plans to expand and simplify tax credits related to dependent care so that approximately 230,000 tax filers receive an average benefit increase of $575 each year.
Since taking office:
– The number of children receiving subsidized child care has more than doubled.
– More than $8.6 billion has been allocated toward child care initiatives.
– Eligibility has broadened significantly; now covering up to roughly $114,000 annual income (for a family of four).
– Most subsidy recipients pay no more than $15 weekly.
– Provider reimbursement rates have increased by nearly 50 percent.
– Over $150 million has supported creation of new centers through capital funding.