SLATER CALLS FOR SUSTAINABLE CHILD CARE FUNDING AS FAMILIES FACE DISRUPTIONS

Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C–Yorktown) joined Minority Leader Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square), Assemblyman Matt Simpson (R,C-Adirondack), child-care providers and parents at the Capitol today to call for full, sustainable funding of New York’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) amid growing concerns over funding shortfalls and disruptions to families. The goal of the state’s CCAP program is to help qualified families pay for child care in order to help them become self-sufficient.

Lawmakers highlighted how recent expansions to child care eligibility have not been matched with sustainable state funding, leading to paused applications and uncertainty for working families across the state. Rural communities continue to face additional challenges due to persistent child-care deserts and limited provider availability.

“Child care is not a luxury—it’s the backbone of our workforce and our economy,” said Slater. “While it’s welcomed that New York expanded access to child care assistance, the state has an obligation to fund it sustainably.   Without that critical funding, families, child care centers and our workforce are the ones paying the price.”

Slater emphasized the need for the state to prioritize funding for existing programs before expanding eligibility further.

“We must fully fund the programs that we already have, especially CCAP,” Slater added. “Counties need predictable funding so they aren’t forced to shut their doors mid-year, and we have to remove barriers so more providers can open, expand and stay in business. When child care falls apart, everything else follows.”

Assembly Republicans have pointed to their previously introduced “A Blueprint for Childcare (ABC) Plan,” which focuses on improving affordability, expanding access and supporting providers through regulatory reforms and sustainable funding strategies.

Slater said that without meaningful changes, families will continue to face difficult decisions, including reducing work hours or losing access to care altogether, while providers struggle to remain financially viable.

“New York’s child care system should support working families, not create more instability,” Slater said. “We need a responsible approach that ensures access, supports providers and delivers real relief for families.”

Slater said he will continue working with colleagues, providers and families to push for solutions that strengthen the child care system and support New York’s workforce.