Press Release
CSS Applauds Governor Hochul’s Announcement on Universal Child Care
The Community Service Society of New York (CSS) applauds Governor Hochul’s announcement yesterday advancing universal child care in New York, including the statewide expansion of universal pre-K and the launch of free child care for 2-year-olds in New York City through the 2Care program.
Affordability remains top of mind for New Yorkers across the state, and it was a central theme of Mayor Mamdani’s campaign. Rising child care costs are a significant driver of financial stress for families, pushing many households to the brink—even when they are employed full time.
Drawing on data from CSS’s statewide Annual Survey of Housing and Economic Security, fielded with a representative sample of 4,000 New Yorkers, our recent report, ‘How Are People Supposed to Get Ahead?’ Financial Precarity Among New York State Residents, finds that financial precarity in New York extends well beyond those living in poverty. Low-,moderate-, and even higher-income households report struggling to cover essential costs—including housing, health care, child care, utilities, and food—while also facing unpredictable expenses and growing debt. This reality underscores the need for universal programs that reach across income bands to provide meaningful relief. Universal child care is a critical step toward that goal.
Additional research from FPWA, our partner in the national True Cost of Living coalition, reinforces this need. Their recent report shows that for New York City households with children, child care consumes roughly 14 percent of annual household resources, placing an enormous strain on family budgets.
CSS commends Governor Hochul and Mayor Mamdani for their leadership in moving universal child care forward. This investment will help families across income levels, support economic stability, and strengthen long-term economic security for New Yorkers.
The Community Service Society of New York (CSS) has worked with and for New Yorkers since 1843 to promote economic opportunity and champion an equitable city and state. We power change through a strategic combination of research, services, and advocacy to make New York more livable for people facing economic insecurity. By expanding access to health care, affordable housing, employment opportunities, debt assistance, and more, we make a tangible difference in the lives of millions. Join us at www.cssny.org