“After dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic for more than two years, Long Island families are now struggling with inflation and soaring prices for essential goods. That’s why my top priority this year was helping working families keep more of their hard-earned money. The 2022-23 state budget invests in the programs and services that help local families recover, while also providing a strong base for our state’s future.

“As chair of the Assembly Committee on Libraries and Education Technology, I understand that libraries are critical community hubs and fought to ensure our final spending plan provided significant funding for libraries statewide.The state budget includes a $3.5 million increase in aid for public libraries over the executive budget for a total of $99.6 million – a $5.5 million increase over last year, and $20 million in additional capital for library projects for a total of $34 million. The state budget also allocates $375,000 in funding for the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture and $112,500 for the Langston Hughes Community Library. Libraries offer invaluable community resources for community members of all ages, and I’ll always support their continued success.

“Early childhood education provides a solid foundational base for our children, and it’s critical that we boost funding for these vital educational programs. To that end, the state budget allocates $125 million annually for a three-year UPK step-up program, for a total of $375 million.

“Affordable childcare is an absolute necessity for working parents and young children, and it’s critical that we expand access to even more families.That’s why I made sure the state budget makes a significant investment in childcare programs across New York State. Specifically, the budget more than doubles the current investment in childcare, providing nearly $3 billion more in childcare over the next three years alone, expanding eligibility for subsidized care from 200% of the federal poverty level (FPL) to 300% FPL by Aug. 1, 2022

“The 2022-23 state budget puts families first and invests in the programs our communities need to thrive. As my colleagues and I continue our work in Albany, I’ll keep fighting to create a better future for everyone who calls our state home.”