Keeping to his promise of addressing the issues present in his district, this week, New York State Senator Rob Rolison introduced Senate Bill S9049 during the 2025–2026 Legislative Session. This bill is aimed at improving child care affordability and stability by giving providers temporary, common-sense flexibility during documented staffing shortages, directly addressing issues posed by childcare providers across Dutchess, Putnam and Orange Counties.

Senate Bill S9049 authorizes the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) to grant limited, temporary flexibility in staff-to-child ratios and group size requirements when child care centers are facing workforce shortages, helping providers remain open, reduce operational costs, and continue to deliver safe, high-quality care to families.

The bill was created after hearing directly from child care advocates at his Affordability Roundtable in October 2025 in Montgomery, including leaders from The Child Care Council of Dutchess and Putnam, Inc. and the Child Care Council of Orange County, Inc., who emphasized that existing regulations often fail to reflect on-the-ground realities.

“Providers and families told us clearly that the rules weren’t matching reality—and families were paying the price,” said Senator Rolison. “When child care centers are forced to close classrooms or turn families away because of temporary staffing gaps, it drives up costs and limits access. This bill is about affordability, common sense, and listening to the people on the front lines.”

Child care providers explained that rigid staffing requirements, even during short-term workforce disruptions, can lead to classroom closures, higher tuition costs, and fewer available slots—placing additional strain on working families already struggling with affordability.

“This legislation reflects what we heard directly from advocates and providers across Dutchess, Putnam, and Orange counties,” Rolison added. “By allowing carefully monitored, temporary flexibility, we can help centers stay open, keep kids safe, and support working parents.”