Office of Children and Family Services Commissioner Sheila Poole said, “We are overjoyed with this unprecedented funding for child care assistance. This underscores the significance of child care access for our families. They deserve this, and our providers deserve this. The pandemic wreaked havoc in this industry, and these changes will help support those who need it most and will bolster our providers even more.”

Senator Chuck Schumer said, “As Majority Leader, I promised I would deliver the robust funding New York needed to come back from the pandemic stronger than ever, and now thanks to the American Rescue Plan New York is able to make the largest investment in child care in the state’s history . This investment means struggling families will get the financial assistance they need, more help for childcare providers, and eliminating childcare deserts. Affordable childcare essential to our economic recovery, and I am proud to have delivered the funding to make today’s historic news possible.”

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “Like much of our nation, New York is facing a child care crisis,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Affordable, high-quality child care is out of reach for too many parents, particularly in underserved neighborhoods. I thank Governor high ulfor taking this critical step to make child care more accessible and I’m proud to have fought to pass the American Rescue Plan, which has helped make this historic investment possible.”

Representative Paul tonko said, “Our country is still feeling the financial hardships from COVID-19, and the impact on the child care system in particular has left many parents reeling and without affordable, accessible care. My Democratic colleagues and I took strong action to tackle this crisis and support kids in need, including expanding the Child Tax Credit advanced through our American Rescue Plan. This tax cut helped 3.3 million children in New York State alone. As we continue working to deliver relief, today’s announcement will play a key role in supporting hardworking parents as they provide for their families and strengthen our economy.”