As part of an ongoing commitment to prioritize the welfare and educational advancement of adolescents in New York state, Assemblyman Matt Simpson (R,C-Horicon) has signed on to a series of child care bills aimed at enhancing affordability and access for families introduced today. The legislative package can be viewed here.

Recognizing the role early childhood education plays in shaping a child’s future success, today’s announcement seeks to leverage investments made by the state to fund child care systems by increasing the reimbursement rate to school districts for pre-K students. Additional measures introduced today would also support the creation of child day care facilities through tax exemptions to encourage the growth of such facilities and the elimination of red tape that poses barriers that have impacted the availability and affordability of child care centers for families.

“The surge in child poverty in New York routes from post-pandemic measures ending such as the expanded child tax credit, enhanced unemployment insurance and cash payments. Day care and pre-K programs offer valuable alternatives to traditional child care placements, which have become more difficult for families across the state to find and afford since the COVID-19 pandemic. Today’s announced legislation seeks to alleviate the financial burden on families while fostering an environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive,” said Simpson.