(Southern Tier, NY) - The New York State Senate Democratic Majority passed its One-House

Budget Resolution. In the One House Budget, New York State Senator Lea Webb is working to expand access to childcare and support families across New York State. In the One House Budget, New York State Senator Lea Webb is working to make child care more affordable and accessible for families while supporting the workforce that makes these essential services possible. The Senate One House also makes strong investments in after-school programs and youth opportunities that help students succeed beyond the school day.

“Affordable child care is a necessity for working families throughout New York State,” said Senator Lea Webb. “The NYS Senate One House budget continues expanding access to childcare, and supports the dedicated workers who keep these programs running. In this budget, we are laying a pathway for universal childcare throughout New York State.” 

New York State Senate One-House Budget for Childcare: 

• Adds $500 million total to support the child care workforce through the Child Care Worker Retention Grant Program.
• Adds $34 million in additional support for child care pilot programs for children aged 0-3 in cities outside NYC, for a total of $100 million.
• Accepts $2.2 billion total for the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) to provide child care subsidies to families below 85% of the state median income, an increase of $789.3 million, or 35.9 percent.
• Restores $5 million total for the Facilitated Enrollment Pilot Program for episodic workers and undocumented persons earning up to 400% FPL – Rest of State. 
• Restores $600,000 total for the Child Care Facilitated Enrollment program for working families earning up to 85% SMI – Rest of State. 
• Adds $30 million in additional support for the Learning and Enrichment Afterschool Program Supports (LEAPS), for a total of $146.1 million. The Senate adds language to ensure that this additional support funds programs that were eligible for funding under the 2024 RFP but did not receive an award, and supports exploring program eligibility changes to ensure every district has an afterschool program, with priority given to program locations in high need areas.
• Restores $10 million total for the Youth Sports Grant Program. 
• Adds $2 million total for the New York State YMCA Foundation.
• Adds $20 million total for a Year-Round Youth Employment Program. (amended version of S.184) (NEW ELFA Part HH)
• Restores $5 million in TANF for the Summer Youth Employment Program, for a total of $58 million, to support additional slots for youths. 
• $50 million carveout from Raise the Age for the Youth Justice Innovation Fund.

The full Senate One-House Budget Resolution may be found here. 

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