“After a long two years of fighting the pandemic, all of us are seeking a renewed sense of normalcy. That’s why it’s more important than ever to make crucial investments in community programs and resources that uplift our families as we move forward from this challenging period.

“As chair of the Assembly Committee on Libraries and Education Technology, I’m committed to providing New York’s youth with the resources needed to learn, explore their passions and achieve success. This year, I fought to restore $20 million in Capital funding for Library Construction Aid that was left out of the Executive budget proposal. Fortunately, this additional funding has been included in the Assembly budget proposal. The proposal also includes a total of $106.1 million in Library Aid and $1.25 million for new diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in libraries. The Assembly plan also restores $250,000 in funding for the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture and $75,000 for the Langston Hughes Community Library. Libraries have always provided invaluable community resources, and I’ll always invest in their continued growth and success.

“I also recognize the immense benefit that early childhood education provides to children and their families. To that end, the Assembly budget proposal would provide $150 million for universal prekindergarten -- $125 million to support new programs and $25 million for districts with existing programs.

“Expanding access to affordable childcare is critically important for childhood development and for working parents. That’s why I made sure the Assembly budget proposal makes a significant investment in childcare programs across New York State. Specifically, the plan would provide over $3 billion for childcare to maintain current subsidies and expand eligibility to households earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL). The current requirements limit these subsidies to families earning up to 200% of the FPL.

“As we approach the April 1 budget deadline, I’ll continue working to pass a state budget that improves our state and uplifts the future generations of leaders.”