POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (June 16, 2026) – Senator Rob Rolison, Ranking Member of the Senate Children and Families Committee, today highlighted the inclusion of a historic $4.5 billion investment in child care and early education programs in New York's FY 2026-27 State Budget, aimed at expanding access to affordable care, supporting working families, and strengthening New York's child care system.

"One of the issues I hear about most from families throughout Dutchess, Orange and Putnam counties is the challenge of finding and affording quality child care," said Senator Rolison. "Parents should not have to choose between providing for their families and finding a safe, reliable place for their children to learn and grow. This investment will help more families access the care they need while supporting the providers who make it possible."

The budget includes significant funding to expand child care assistance programs, helping more middle-income families qualify for affordable care. For many Hudson Valley families, child care costs rival a mortgage payment, creating a major barrier for parents seeking to remain in or return to the workforce. The additional funding is expected to help thousands more families statewide access subsidies and reduce out-of-pocket costs.

The budget also invests in the creation and renovation of child care centers to address child care deserts. In Dutchess County and across the Hudson Valley, providers continue to report lengthy waiting lists and workforce shortages. New capital funding will help communities expand capacity and create additional child care slots where they are needed most.

Another major component of the budget is the state's continued commitment to expanding access to early childhood education and child care. The investment comes on the heels of the announcement that 

Dutchess County, in partnership with Day One Early Learning Community in Poughkeepsie, was selected to participate in New York's new $20 million universal child care pilot program for families. Together with the state's efforts to expand universal pre-kindergarten, these initiatives will help ensure more children enter school ready to learn while giving parents the support they need to remain in the workforce.

The budget also includes resources to strengthen the early childhood workforce through educator recruitment and training initiatives. Child care providers throughout the Hudson Valley have consistently cited staffing shortages as one of the greatest challenges facing the industry. Investing in the workforce will help providers retain qualified educators and expand services to meet growing demand.

In addition to child care investments, the budget expands the Child Tax Credit, providing direct financial relief to families raising children. Combined with expanded access to child care assistance and universal school meals, the package represents one of the most significant family affordability initiatives enacted in recent years.