Lawmakers press for worker pay and funding as Hochul's child-care expansion faces rollout questions
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Summary
At a joint fiscal hearing on the FY 2027 executive budget, OCFS and Assembly and Senate members praised the governor's large child-care proposal but pressed for clearer timelines, funds to clear CCAP wait lists, and a permanent workforce compensation plan so expanded subsidies produce seats and stable programs.
Assembly and Senate fiscal committees spent much of a Feb. 9 hearing pressing the state's child-care plan to match money with on-the-ground capacity.
The governor's executive budget proposes a dramatic expansion of child-care and pre-K, including hundreds of millions for CCAP (child-care assistance program), $150 million in capital funds, and $20 million pilot grants in select counties. OCFS Commissioner Damia Harris Madden told legislators the proposal aims to reach universal child care by building on existing programs and pilots in Broome, Monroe and Dutchess counties as well as a New York City pilot. She said the administration expects to create additional seats and increase provider reimbursement rates, and that capital awards already delivered created new slots at 45 sites.
Why it matters: Lawmakers and providers said the new funding will not deliver expanded access unless the state addresses workforce pay and local rollout problems. Many counties still have CCAP wait lists; Assembly and Senate questioners warned last year's supplemental dollars in some places were not spent because of timing and county fiscal practices.
What OCFS said: Harris Madden told the panel that the executive budget increases CCAP base allocations roughly 40 percent year-to-year, that an additional $155 million is aimed at the rest of state outside New York City, and that New York City would receive a separate allocation subject to local match rules. She said counties must spend base allocations before accessing supplemental awards, which contributed to delays in clearing wait lists.
Lawmakers' concerns: Legislators repeatedly asked for a dedicated, predictable workforce fund and a career-ladder approach for educators and family child-care providers. Multiple speakers urged a workforce supplement or permanent compensation fund to lift early-care educators' pay to a livable level and to stem attrition. Assembly members and provider networks noted that some providers now operate with unfilled positions and empty program slots because they cannot recruit and retain staff.
Provider and advocate asks: The state's statewide networks asked for (a) additional CCAP money to clear wait lists and expand seats (advocates estimate tens of thousands of children affected); (b) $5 million in ongoing capacity support for community providers (YMCA request); and (c) a permanent wage/compensation fund or supplement targeted to early childhood workers so expansions actually reach families.
Where things stand: OCFS officials defended the design of pilots and said the budget provides substantial capital and operating resources. But they and lawmakers agreed the critical test will be whether the state can translate appropriations into immediate slots and higher pay rather than creating another round of unmet demand.
What's next: Legislators signaled they will press for workforce compensation language during budget negotiations and asked OCFS for quarterly implementation reports on CCAP allotments and pilot rollouts.
