Governor Hochul announces child care funding and legislation for diaper tax exemption

NEW YORK CITY (WHEC) – Governor Kathy Hochul announced today that almost $70 million in grant funding has been awarded to newly licensed, registered child care programs in areas of New York State without enough child care slots, known as child care deserts.

The funds, which are part of the $100 million child care desert initiative approved in the 2022 budget, are available through the American Rescue Plan Act. The grants will help new child care providers in underserved areas build their programs, cover start-up costs, and personnel costs.

"Expanding child care options for working families is personal to me. As a young mom, I had to leave my job due to lack of access to affordable child care," Governor Hochul said. "I want to thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand and the Congressional delegation for helping secure this critical funding. New York remains committed to eradicating child care deserts, and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure all parents have access to this vital lifeline."

The Governor also highlighted legislation that will help make diapers more affordable by exempting them from taxes.

Additional grant information here.