On February 8, 2023, New Yorkers United for Child Care and City Council Member Shahana Hanif gathered at J.J. Byrne Playground to collect signatures advocating for free childcare for 2-year-olds. The initiative responds to Mayor Eric Adams' cuts to Universal 3-K and Pre-K programs. Community voices highlighted the staggering costs, with a family needing an income of $334,000 to afford childcare, making it inaccessible for many. Activists are urging the expansion of existing programs to assist families, underscoring the need for affordable childcare in New York City to support family growth.
"That is out of reach for most New Yorkers," Lew said. "New York City can expand the free child care we already have for 3- and 4-year-olds with 2-Care and make New York City the best place to raise a family."
"Today's day of action at J.J. Byrne Playground highlighted a harsh reality: only the wealthiest can afford to start a family in New York City, and that is simply unacceptable," said Council Member Shahana Hanif.
Allison Lew, a community organizer with NYUC and a mother of a 3 year old, said members of the nonprofit often talk about how the high cost of child care is draining their savings and pushing them into debt.
"I was born and raised in the Bronx and want to raise my own family in New York City but it feels almost impossible with how much child care costs," she said.
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