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AGENCY TESTIMONY
Childcare funding crisis and need for state support
3:25:06
ยท
72 sec
Commissioner Dannhauser addresses the critical need for additional state funding to maintain the expanded childcare voucher program in New York City.
- State's proposed budget does not include funding needed to maintain childcare voucher expansion
- Without additional investment, NYC will be forced to reduce childcare support dramatically
- Approximately $2 billion needed from the state budget for NYC, about $1 billion above current allocation
- Funding required to maintain childcare assistance for low-income families at current caseload level
- Ongoing conversations with the governor's office and legislature to address the funding gap
- Gratitude expressed for city council's support in advocating for necessary funding
Jess Dannhauser
3:25:06
Based on the availability of funding and with agreement encouragement from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, New York City dramatically expanded the number of children in receipt of child care assistance supported by the state child care block grant known as CCBG.
3:25:20
Over the last several years as have other counties across New York State, absent additional investment from the state New York City will be forced to dramatically reduce its provision of childcare support to families who need it, deteriorate and the gains achieved.
3:25:36
Given the state mandated increase of the reimbursement rate for childcare providers serving children with subsidies, which was not funded by in the state's executive budget proposal, and the anticipated increase in mandatory child care for families on cash assistance, we will need the state budget to provide approximately 2,000,000,000 for New York City, about 1,000,000,000 above the city's current allocation, to main child care assistance for low income families at our current caseload level.
3:26:01
We are in continuous conversation with the governor's office and the legislature, and we are very grateful for all of your support on the council.
3:26:07
In conclusion, I wanna thank the city council for your ongoing collaboration and partnership as we work together to continue to make New York City a place where children, youth and families thrive.
3:26:17
Thank you.