Site work and new construction of a day care center in New York, New York. Conceptual plans call for the construction of a day care center.

BTM-Logo Select Region or Brand Manage Account User-sign-inSign In site-logo Upcoming Event State of the Long Island Nonprofit Industry bell-iconFree Newsletter Subscribe Hamburger Menu News Events Leads & Data Center Public Notices Press Releases Advertising Search... Home > Law & Government > New York to invest $1.7B in universal childcare expansion Depositphotos image New York to invest $1.7B in universal childcare expansion Adina Genn//January 8, 2026// twitter facebook linkedin pinterest email Listen to this article THE BLUEPRINT: Gov. Kathy Hochul proposes $1.7B investment to expand universal childcare statewide Plan aims to guarantee universal pre-K for all four-year-olds by 2028–2029 Federal freeze on $10B in funds could impact childcare assistance programs Freeze could hurt families, workers and small businesses New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced plans on Thursday to invest $1.7 billion to expand universal childcare for children under age five so that it is more affordable and accessible across the state. At the same time, New Yorkers may face added pressure from a federal childcare funding freeze that could make it harder for parents to balance work and family. Hochul said the new investment, which is part of her 2026 legislative agenda, would ensure universal pre-K for all four-year-olds in the state by the start of the 2028-2029 school year. Hochul committed to delivering affordable childcare for nearly 100,000 more kids. “There’s one thing that every family in New York can agree on, the cost of childcare is simply too high,” Hochul said in a news release about expanding universal childcare. Families in New York can pay between $25,000 and $40,000 for childcare, Hochul said. Hochul’s announcement comes days after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said it is freezing $10 billion in funds to New York and four other Democratic-led states due to fraud concerns. The decision halted federal money for three programs, including childcare and monthly cash aid to low-income workers. On Long Island, where high costs make two-income households the norm, access to quality childcare matters. Hochul’s plans “would be very beneficial to Long Island families and employers,” Jennifer Rojas, executive director of the Child Care Council of Suffolk, told LIBN. “When parents have access to affordable childcare, they are able to fully participate in the workforce,” she said. “In addition, as small businesses themselves, childcare programs are an important part of our local economy.” In response to the federal freeze on childcare funds, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand on Thursday called on the Trump administration to resume the grants, which provide childcare assistance to thousands of families in the state – underscoring the stakes not only for working parents but also employers navigating staffing challenges. Freezing funding “will hurt families, children and childcare providers who are already struggling to get by,” Gillibrand told reporters. According to Gillibrand, evidence of fraud in New York has not been provided by the Trump administration. Rojas shared that sentiment. “New York State has a very strong Child Care Assistance Program that is highly regulated and monitored,” Rojas said. “There has not been any evidence of widespread fraud. “A freeze of this funding could lead to thousands of Long Island families losing access to childcare making it hard for parents to work,” she added. “It could also lead to the closure of childcare programs, the loss of small business [childcare programs] and childcare workers losing their jobs.” It would “have a ripple effect throughout the economy,” Gillibrand said. “Parents will have to quite their jobs to stay at home with their children.” Hochul, a Democrat who is running for reelection this year, said the state would also partner with New York City to provide free childcare for two-year-olds and strengthen the 3K program to serve all families in the five boroughs. The plan includes supporting other counties in building new childcare pilots that offer high-quality affordable care to families regardless of income, and expand childcare subsidies to tens of thousands of additional families. Bruce Blakeman, the Republican Nassau County executive who is running for governor, criticized what his campaign press office said he deemed “an inequitable, city-first approach.” “Working moms and dads everywhere deserve support,” Blakeman said in a written statement. “What they don’t deserve is to be used as a bankroll to finance a day care program for New York City which excludes their children.” Reuters contributed to this report. Tags: workforce participation, pre-K expansion, federal funding freeze, New York childcare, Kathy Hochul, Long Island families, universal childcare, childcare assistance Related Articles Trump administration takes over $7B reconstruction project for NYC’s Penn Station On Our Island: Long Island honors heroes, celebrates culture and tech NYS targets antisemitism, discrimination on campuses Related Content Patchogue attorney expands dog bite law firm across NYS Patchogue attorney expands his dog bite law firm, which he launched after a landmark ruling held owners liable[...] January 9, 2026 Law firm with Garden City office names three partners A law firm with a Garden City office has elevated three to partner January 8, 2026 ‘Suffolk 250’ book aims to boost tourism, highlight sites The ‘Suffolk 250’ commemorative book highlights historic sites and aims to boost tourism in Suffolk County[...] January 7, 2026 Long Island firm names new partners and counsel Promotion supports the firm’s growth strategy as a regional legal resource for middle market companies January 6, 2026 Long Island firm promotes three attorneys to partner A law firm in Uniondale names three new partners, announced a new co-chair of its Corporate and Securities Dep[...] January 2, 2026 Veteran education lawyer joins Guercio & Guercio A top education law attorney joins Guercio & Guercio, bringing more than 40 years of experience in school, mun[...] January 2, 2026 LIBN Daily Newsletter Sign up for your daily digest of Long Island Business News. By signing up you agree to our Privacy Policy Editor’s Picks Bookmarked Records Download Real Estate Weekly Edition Inked: Long Island commercial real estate sales and leases 8/1/2026 Herbst: Islip faces a pivotal choice at MacArthur Airport 8/1/2026 Cantor: Will unhappy New Yorkers continue leaving for greener pastures in 2026? 8/1/2026 Long Island employers face rising wage and hour risks in 2026 8/1/2026 On Our Island: Long Island groups mark giving, celebrations and arts grants 8/1/2026 footer-site-logo News Events Lists Issues Classifieds Public Notices Reader Rankings Reprints ABOUT Our mission at Long Island Business News is to be the vital business news and advertising source to Long Island’s most influential readers. MY ACCOUNT Login Subscribe Manage Account Group Subscription Subscriber Agreement Contact About LIBN Contact LIBN Accessibility Statement Advertise Advertising CONNECT twitter-logo facebook-logo linkedin-logo instagram-logo NEWSLETTER Get our free LIBN e-alerts & breaking news notifications! DIGITAL EDITIONS Newsmemory businessnews Subscribe for access to the latest digital and special editions. BTM-Logo © 2026 BridgeTower Media. All rights reserved. Use of this website is subject to its Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell My Info/Cookie Policy