New York City will stop enrolling new families in its child care voucher program amid disputes with the state over funding responsibilities. Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro expressed the cityâs reluctance to take this step, emphasizing the stateâs failure to meet its financial obligations. Though state funding has increased, the cityâs share remains stagnant. As demand surges, with enrollment skyrocketing by 750% since 2022, many families are at risk of losing access to this essential support, which provides $300 per week to eligible households.
"To be clear, this is a step we did not want to take," Mastro told reporters Monday, blaming the state.
"The status quo is unsustainable, and if we are serious about providing comprehensive, affordable child care for working families, then these costs must be a shared responsibility between the city and the state," Hochul spokesperson Avery Cohen said.
"You don't change the rules in the middle of the game when families and children are at stake," he said.
The Child Care Assistance Program provides an average of $300 a week to families who qualify based on income.
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