ALBANY, N.Y. — New York’s latest state budget is adding $1.2 billion for daycare assistance, a 40% increase over last year.
According to the Albany Times Union, the new funding is expected to help 170,000 families, up from 70,000 in 2021.
The money is distributed through counties, which handle applications and payments. Last year, demand was so high, some counties ran out of funds, leaving many parents without support.
In May, News10NBC Investigative Reporter Jennifer Lewke talked with Gov. Kathy Hochul after Monroe County was set to get $20 million in the state funding to create 1,000 new daycare spots as part of a pilot program.
Right now, it’s still not clear if the increase will fully meet the need this year.
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