Members of the New York State Senate Republican Conference are urging Governor Kathy Hochul to take immediate action to fix what they describe as a growing crisis in the state’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) — a program meant to help working families afford safe and reliable childcare.
In a letter sent to the governor, lawmakers said that while the state expanded eligibility for CCAP, it failed to provide sufficient funding to sustain the program. As a result, thousands of families across New York have been left unable to access the childcare support they were promised.
According to the senators, demand for childcare assistance has nearly tripled since 2022, leaving many counties with exhausted CCAP budgets. The letter warns that this funding gap is forcing parents to make “impossible choices” — cutting work hours, leaving jobs, or turning to unstable childcare arrangements.
“CCAP is designed to help low- and moderate-income parents stay in the workforce, pursue education, and provide their children with a safe and nurturing environment. Unfortunately, for many New Yorkers, the program is falling short,” the letter reads.
Senators criticized what they called “unfunded promises” from Albany, pointing out that while the FY 2026 Budget included a $400 million increase for childcare programs, only $50 million was earmarked for counties outside New York City — far short of what’s needed. They also highlighted delays in distributing those funds, saying they have “exacerbated the crisis.”
Senator Rob Rolison, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Children and Families, said the issue has hit Hudson Valley families especially hard.
“Affordable, reliable childcare isn’t a luxury — it’s essential for working families and the strength of our local economies,” Rolison said. “We need immediate action to ensure every community has the resources to help parents stay in the workforce while giving their children the safe, quality care they deserve.”
Senator Bill Weber, who also serves on the committee, echoed the concerns:
“My office often hears from parents who are struggling to decide whether to remain employed or to care for their children during the day. Governor Hochul must restore this funding stream now to aid families who depend on the CCAP program to make ends meet.”
Senators Jake Ashby and Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick also joined the call, emphasizing the need for parity between New York City and upstate regions and warning that families outside the city are being left behind.
As work begins on the FY 2026–27 Executive Budget, Senate Republicans are calling on the governor to both stabilize and strengthen CCAP — providing immediate supplemental funding to close existing shortfalls and developing a long-term plan to ensure that funding keeps pace with growing need.
“In the meantime,” the letter concludes, “we urge you to take immediate steps to allow counties to access the funds already allocated to CCAP so this essential program can continue supporting New York’s working families.”
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