New York State Office of Children and Family Services Commissioner Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden visited Monsey on Friday to highlight Governor Kathy Hochul’s Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget and its historic investment in children and families.
The presentation was held at the Community Outreach Center before an audience of local officials, school leaders, nonprofit partners, child care providers, and parents.
Opening the event, Community Outreach Center Executive Director Rabbi Hersh Horowitz welcomed guests and noted the budget will have a significant impact on children and families across Rockland County. He recognized several distinguished guests, including new Rockland County Commissioner of Social Services Patrick Frawley, Stephen Powers representing County Executive Ed Day, Town of Ramapo Supervisor Michael Specht, State Senator Bill Weber for joining the event, and East Ramapo Central School District Vice President Sherry McPherson.
Rabbi Horowitz then introduced Assemblyman Aron Wieder as co-host of the event, noting his advocacy for child care expansion in Rockland County since being elected to the State Assembly.
Assemblyman Wieder welcomed Commissioner Harris-Madden to Rockland County and thanked Rabbi Horowitz and the Community Outreach Center for hosting. He recognized the Commissioner for the nearly $19 million allocation for child care services included in this year’s budget, calling it a significant investment that reflects an understanding of the needs of local families and represents opportunity, stability, and support for working families across the county.
Wieder closed his remarks before the Commissioner’s presentation by quoting Frederick Douglass – “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men” – thanking child care providers for their essential work, and noting that a budget shows what we value today, but an investment in children shows the future we are committed to building.
Commissioner Harris-Madden then presented details of the FY 2026-2027 Budget. Under the budget, Rockland County will receive $18.7 million in Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) funding – a 68% increase, or $7.6 million, over the prior year – plus an additional $2.5 million in supplemental funding. Statewide, CCAP received a record $3 billion.
The Commissioner said the budget reflects a central message from Governor Hochul that our future depends on the ability of every family to afford the essentials of life and to protect the safety and security of residents. She also described Rockland’s diversity as beautiful threads that make a beautiful mosaic.
Following the presentation, the Commissioner took questions from attendees, where several pressing issues local child care providers are dealing with were also addressed.
At the conclusion of the event, she was presented with a plaque by Community Outreach Center Director Rabbi Hersh Horowitz.
Why are the 3 childcare centers listed, who cater to one demographic, receiving more than 70% of the grant?
What about the rest of Rockland County, seems (obviously) extremely disproportionate. Childcare assistanceshould be eith per family or capped to a certain number of children. Afterall, it is the family’s responsibility and should be taken into account when deciding to have a child/children.
Fake news