East Hudson Valley News

Assemblyman Slater, along with his colleagues in the Assembly Minority Conference, has called for the inclusion of child care investments in the 2024-25 State Budget. The proposed plan, titled "A Blueprint for Childcare" (ABC), aims to address the escalating costs of child care and improve access for families in the Hudson Valley.

According to Slater, a report from the Hudson Valley-based Pattern for Progress highlights the severe child care situation in New York, with a significant reduction in child care providers statewide since 2007. The Hudson Valley region specifically has experienced a 27% decrease in child care providers, with Putnam County seeing a loss of 34% of its providers during the same period.

Slater emphasized the importance of the ABC plan in reducing financial burdens on families, stating, "This comprehensive set of measures will help save families thousands of dollars annually." The plan includes initiatives such as property tax exemptions for child care providers and the creation of a pool of qualified substitute staff to prevent last-minute closures.

Highlighting the benefits of investing in child care, Slater stressed, "The ABC plan invests in the well-being of New York’s children by ensuring they have access to quality care and a safe, nurturing learning environment." He added, "An investment in child care is an investment in future generations, and the state has a responsibility to ease the burden on parents."

As the deadline for the state budget approaches, Slater urged Governor Kathy Hochul and all members of the Legislature to prioritize child care, noting, "Too many families across New York struggle to secure affordable, quality care for their children, and now we have a plan to address it."