Senator Samra Brouk Co-Hosts Universal Child Care Community Meeting

ROCHESTER, NY - Senator Samra Brouk with her colleagues Senator Jabari Brisport and Sarah Clark hosted a universal childcare community meeting to discuss the worsening child care crisis. In collaboration with Alliance for Quality Education, she invited local families and child care providers to learn more about their perspective on the crisis, to learn how she and her colleagues can more effectively advocate for community members in Albany.

Senator Samra Brouk said, “The working people of New York State deserve a childcare system that is both affordable and accessible. We must create a system that allows parents to rest assured that their children have quality child care without spending the bulk of their hard-earned paycheck. We need a system that empowers women, and especially women of color, to return to the workforce post-pandemic, which is why I am grateful to Senator Brisport, Chair of the Senate Committee of Children and Families, for visiting Rochester to learn more about the unique challenges faced by our community Together, we can make sure that no family has to choose between childcare and other essential expenses.”

Senator Jabari Brisport said, “We cannot continue to build our entire economy — and the future of our state — on the backs of parents and underpaid, overworked child care providers with band-aid solutions and partial programs that aren’t cutting it; we need to build a system that funds child care like the vital social infrastructure that it is.”

Assemblymember Sarah Clark said, “Childcare is infrastructure. Now is the time to truly invest in this critical component of our economy and build a childcare ecosystem that is equitable, accessible and affordable for all New Yorkers. We know the current system is broken. For far too long, families, providers, and advocates have been sounding the alarm, now is the time for us to finally listen and to act. Let’s take this moment to transform childcare in New York State forever. Thank you Senator Brisport for this opportunity to bring our community’s voice to the table and for hosting this forum in our region.”

At this event, more than one hundred childcare providers, caregivers, and parents engaged in a town hall style discussion focused on how New York State can ensure that its children, families, and providers have the support they need in child care. Guests at the meeting included Governor Kathy Hochul, OCFS Commissioner Sheila Poole, Monroe County Legislator-Elect Carolyn Delvecchio Hoffman, Representatives from Senators Borrello, Kennedy, Cooney, and Gallivan’s offices, Representatives from Assemblymembers Giglio, McMahon, Wallace, Meeks and Hevesi’s offices. Additionally, guests included members from organizations like WNY Women's Foundation, The Children’s Agenda, Alliance for Quality Education, WNY Leadership Initiative, Prevent Child Abuse NY, NYS Networkwork for Youth Success, and the WNY Child Care Action Team.