New York, NY – A group of state legislators who are mothers have sent a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul asking her to sign pending legislation into law that would increase access to child care in the state. The 16 Assembly Members wrote “Child care is more than a workforce issue – it is a lifeline for families, an investment in the future of our children, and a key to unlocking the full potential of our economy. We are at a critical juncture, and now, more than ever, we must take bold action to make child care accessible and equitable for all.”

The pieces of legislation are the following:

• A.4099-A/S.4667-A would allow families quick access to child care assistance while waiting for an often lengthy application process to be completed so parents do not lose job opportunities and children experience more continuity of care.
• A.8878/S.8152 would decouple child care assistance coverage hours from a parent's work hours.
• and A.1303-A/S.4924-A would end the minimum earnings requirement which denies assistance to many parents whose earnings are on average less than minimum wage. Advocates estimate that 10,000 families could become eligible if this legislation is signed into law.

The call for the legislation to be signed into law is to address the need for affordability. According to a report by New Yorkers United for Child Care, 40% of families with young kids are more likely to leave New York due to lack of affordability including child care. In addition, New York City lost $23 billion in economic activity due to the child care shortage.

The Mom Squad, a group of legislators who are parents, gained recognition as a bloc during this year’s budget cycle and legislative session, which is the largest group of mothers in the State Legislature’s history.

“It’s clear that we must take the issue of affordability in New York seriously. As a mom, I understand the critical need for child care for women in the workforce. No parent should have to choose between affording child care and putting food on the table. This lack of access not only hurts families but also costs our state billions of dollars in lost economic activity. As mothers in the legislature, we urge Governor Hochul to sign these bills into law and remove this barrier for thousands of families,” said Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas.

“Ensuring all families and specifically our lowest wage earning and struggling families have access to child care assistance is essential. We must continue to remove barriers and reduce wait times for our families who qualify for help. And it is beyond time to end the outdated requirement that working parents or caretakers earn a minimum wage to qualify for child care assistance, which too often leaves out independent contractors and our gig economy workers. Mom Squad Legislators know child care is essential for a thriving economy and this is why we call on Governor Hochul to sign these pieces of legislation into law, giving thousands of families throughout our state a lifeline to essential child care when it is needed most,” said Assembly Member Sarah Clark.