(ALBANY, N.Y.)  State leaders are asking Governor Hochul to help ensure Erie County children and families have access to affordable childcare, warning that thousands remain on a waitlist due to a significant gap in funding. State Senators Jeremy J. Zellner (61) and April N.M. Baskin (63), alongside Assembly Majority Leader Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes (141), and Assemblymembers Karen M. McMahon (146), Patrick B. Burke (142), and William C. Conrad III (140) emphasized in a letter today that full funding is essential for Erie County to participate in the universal childcare pilot program for children ages 0–3.

I’ve talked to countless parents in Erie County who are working long hours but still struggling to pay for childcare, said Senator Zellner. Closing the CCAP funding gap and getting Erie County into the 0–3 universal childcare pilot will give our kids a strong start, and support parents in the workforce. Every child deserves a fair shot, every family deserves to not go broke over childcare, and I’m proud to work alongside Senator Baskin and our local Assembly Members to help get this done.

Childcare is not just a family issue," said Senator Baskin. It is economic infrastructure. For thousands of Erie County families, it is a lifeline that makes it possible for parents to work, provide, and build stability. With more than 5,400 children relying on CCAP and many more waiting, we must close this funding gap so Erie County can participate in this pilot program. I proudly stand with my colleagues in calling for expanded access to universal childcare in Erie County.

Affordable child care is essential to the upward mobility of Erie County families. Often I hear from parents and caregivers who say childcare is too expensive or they’ve been put on waitlists. Closing the funding gap and putting the universal child care program into the county eases the burden on families and puts our youngest into a structured, educational environment where they can begin to achieve at an early age. I am happy to stand with my legislative colleagues in Western New York in urging our Governor to increase funding for the Child Care Assistance Program in Erie County, said Assembly Majority Leader Peoples-Stokes. 

Childcare has long been a substantial financial strain on working families in Erie County. In the face of significant federal funding reductions, it is imperative that New York State take decisive action to support parents seeking reliable and affordable solutions, said Assemblymember McMahon. I am proud to stand with my Western New York colleagues in urging the Governor to increase funding for the Child Care Assistance Program in Erie County. Expanding this support will help alleviate the burden of securing affordable childcare and enable parents to enter or remain in the workforce - greatly strengthening our local economy. I remain committed to advancing this effort in the weeks ahead.

Too many Erie County families are stuck on a waitlist, forced to make impossible choices between earning a paycheck and ensuring their child has safe, reliable care.  Every parent knows that childcare isn’t a luxury - it’s a fundamental part of our economic stability.  We need to close this funding gap and unlock access to universal childcare for kids from birth to three, said Assemblymember Burke.

Childcare is necessary infrastructure, and affordable, readily available childcare is good for workforce development, local economies, and – most importantly – the stability and well-being of families and kids, said Assemblyman Conrad. This funding would afford Erie County's youngsters access to the opportunities they deserve, including participation in what promises to be a transformative pilot program for ages 0-3. I join my colleagues in appealing for the added state investment, which would allow us to best meet the needs of working families.

While the Governor’s Executive Budget proposal includes approximately $14.5 million in new funding for Erie County, this still leaves an $8.5 million shortfall; a gap the officials say must be filled for families to benefit from the universal childcare pilot.

The pilot program would provide Erie County $20 million to offer childcare to all children from birth to age 3, contingent on a $2 million local match. Closing the CCAP deficit would allow the county to participate fully, providing immediate relief for families and strengthening the regional economy.

The state leaders emphasized that broad collaboration is essential to ensure equitable access to childcare and urged the Governor to help make Erie County a model for universal childcare across New York State. 

Attachment for Media:
The full letter to Governor Hochul outlining the request for increased CCAP funding and participation in the universal childcare pilot is attached for reference.

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