PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (WCAX) -Roughly $3 billion is being added to the New York state budget for childcare assistance.
The Child Care Assistance Program provides vouchers to families for some or all of their childcare costs.
State data shows that around 1,000 North Country families have been assisted by the program since 2021. Last year, demand outgrew funding leading to a waitlist.
Child care advocates like Jamie Basiliere from the Child Care Coordinating Council of the North Country say they hope the fresh infusion of cash reduces the funding strain.
“Now that the budget has passed, extra millions of dollars have been set aside for the Child Care Assistance Program. We should not have waiting lists or backlogs,” Basiliere said.
There’s no word on what the North Country’s childcare funding will be.
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