Since I was first elected to the New York State Assembly in 2012, I have been an outspoken supporter of true universal childcare. Childcare must be universal not just for New York City, but also for upstate New York. Families in my district need affordable and accessible childcare just as urgently as families anywhere else in the state. The Governor’s proposal may be a way to appease Mr. Mamdani so he can fulfill one of his campaign promises, but it is my duty to stand up for my constituents to make sure we receive the same benefits for our families.

Too often, proposals are rolled out in New York City with the promise that upstate will follow. These promises are made but never work. During my first term, then Governor Cuomo launched a universal pre-k program in New York City with the promise that it would expand to upstate eventually. This never happened. It was a false promise and, as a result, my district has a very limited lottery system that leaves too many families without childcare options.

I am a proud co-sponsor of Assemblymember Hevesi’s legislation that would create a statewide universal childcare program (A5899). Not only will this legislation create a universal childcare program for all of New York, but it also ensures that our childcare workforce is well paid and that childcare facilities are available in communities that do not have existing childcare facilities.

If New York State is serious about supporting our working families, strengthening our childcare workforce, and addressing the affordability crisis, the Assembly must include Assemblymember Hevesi’s proposal in the One House Budget as we start the budget negotiations with the Governor.

I will continue to be a strong voice to make sure upstate communities are included in any universal childcare proposal because childcare is only universal if it supports every child in New York. This is consistent with my philosophy of government. Like Bernie Sanders, who I endorsed in both 2016 and 2020, universal childcare, health insurance, pensions, and post-secondary education should be benefits of citizenship. Like Bernie, I agree that nothing is “free.” But we have the means to pay for all of these. We just lack the political will.