Buffalo, NY – New York State Senator April N.M. Baskin and Assemblymember Jonathan D. Rivera convened an Erie County childcare economic development roundtable today, bringing together providers, advocates, business leaders, and policy experts to examine how expanding universal childcare in Erie County can strengthen the local economy and support working families.

The discussion centered on the state’s proposed universal childcare plan and a new state-funded pilot program designed to expand childcare access for children from ages 0-3, regardless of a family’s income. While the state has committed $60 million for pilot programs in three counties, Erie County is not currently included – an omission Senator Baskin and Assemblymember Rivera say leaves a significant economic opportunity on the table.

Currently, more than 5,400 children in Erie County receive subsidized childcare through the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), according to the New York State Comptroller’s Office. CCAP is for families who earn less than 85% of the state’s median income and it relies on federal funding.

In Erie County, there is currently a waitlist with around 300 applicants for the CCAP program. Erie County was offered the opportunity to join the pilot program, but county leaders chose not to participate because Erie County has a projected deficit of $23.1 million for the CCAP program this year.

“Childcare is not just a family issue,” said Senator Baskin. “It is an economic development issue. I came to this conversation not just as a state Senator, but as a working mom raising two children on a single income. For families like mine, childcare is a critical lifeline. We know more than 5,400 children in Erie County rely on CCAP, and hundreds more are waiting. At the same time, the state is offering a $20 million pilot to expand care for children ages 0–3 regardless of income. We have to ask whether we can afford to leave that kind of investment on the table. Expanding access to childcare means more parents in the workforce, stronger small businesses, and a more competitive regional economy.”

Participants discussed how a $20 million state pilot investment could boost Erie County’s economy, whether or not the CCAP deficit prohibits Erie County from participating in the pilot, and the capacity of local childcare providers to meet the increased demand under a universal childcare pilot.

The conversation also addressed the need for better coordination between state and county leadership to ensure Erie County is not excluded from new childcare investments due to funding shortages.

Assemblymember Rivera said, “Today’s roundtable made clear that expanding universal childcare in Erie County is not just about supporting families; it’s an economic development strategy. With more than 5,400 children receiving CCAP assistance, hundreds on a waitlist, and many working families earning too much to qualify but still unable to afford care, the need is undeniable. Leaving Erie County out of the State’s new pilot program leaves a major opportunity on the table. A $20 million investment here would stabilize providers, expand access for children ages 0–3, and help more parents fully participate in the workforce. If we are serious about strengthening our economy, Erie County must be included.”

Senator Baskin and Assemblymember Rivera emphasized that the roundtable is part of their efforts to build a regional coalition and advocate for changes in the upcoming state budget to ensure universal childcare initiatives reach families outside New York City and that Upstate children are not left behind.