New York’s State budget is finalized leaving major work ahead New York State's budget has finally been enacted after weeks of delay, closing out a budget season that began with a palpable sense of hope for families across the state. Governor Hochul opened the year with a sweeping promise that child care for all New Yorkers would no longer be a mere privilege but a guarantee. That promise reverberated far beyond New York, raising expectations across the country that New York would finally begin building a universal child care system. The final budget fell far short of what was needed to make that vision real. Families, early childhood educators, and child care staff spent this year fighting for a budget that met the scale of the crisis facing communities across New York. Instead, the enacted budget leaves more than 20,000 families stuck waiting for a voucher and fails to include the level of investment needed for the workforce holding together this deeply strained system. For families making impossible decisions around care each day, New York remains far from the vision laid out at the beginning of the year. Thanks to our collective organizing and advocacy, there are bright spots. The final budget adds Foundation Aid weights for students experiencing housing instability and increases supports for English language learners. It shortens the proposed extension of mayoral control in New York City schools from four years to two. And for child care, the budget includes pilot programs in Broome, Monroe, and Dutchess counties. This budget clearly leaves major work ahead, but it shows what we can do when we organize together. We’re deeply grateful to every one of you who took action alongside us this session, and we know the pressure and solidarity that shaped this budget will continue to matter in the fights still ahead. In solidarity, Marina and Zakiyah Co-Executive Directors, Alliance for Quality Education AQENY.org   Facebook   Instagram    Bluesky Donate

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