Senator Ryan Shares Investments in Childcare and After-School Programs in Senate One-House Budget Proposal
March 24, 2026
State Senator Christopher J. Ryan (SD-50) highlighted significant investments in childcare and after-school programming included in the New York State Senate’s One-House Budget proposal—priorities that will directly support working families, strengthen the childcare workforce, and expand opportunities for children across Central New York.
“Affordable, reliable childcare and strong after-school programs are essential to the success of our families, our workforce, and our communities. This budget makes real progress by investing in the childcare workforce, expanding access to care, and ensuring kids have safe, enriching environments beyond the classroom. For families across Central New York, these investments mean more support, more opportunity, and greater stability. These investments are especially important for families in Onondaga and Oswego counties, where access to affordable childcare and after-school programming can be a barrier to employment and economic growth. By supporting providers and expanding programs, we are helping parents stay in the workforce while giving our children the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.”
The Senate One-House Budget includes the following key investments:
- $2.2 billion total for the Child Care Assistance Program, an increase of $789.3 million (35.9%), expanding subsidies for families earning up to 85% of the state median income
- $500 million for the Child Care Worker Retention Grant Program to support and stabilize the child care workforce
- $146.1 million total for the Learning and Enrichment Afterschool Program Supports (LEAPS), including an additional $30 million to expand access to high-quality after-school programming
- $100 million total for child care pilot programs serving children ages 0–3 in cities outside of New York City, including an additional $34 million investment
- $10 million for the Youth Sports Grant Program to increase access to recreational opportunities for young people
- $2 million for the New York State YMCA Foundation to support youth development and community programming
- $1 million for the New York State Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs to expand services and programming for children and teens