Overview
- Phase‑in begins this September in high‑need neighborhoods and expands citywide by the 2029–30 school year, with officials estimating roughly 100,000 additional children will gain access.
- The state will fully fund the first two years using existing revenues with no new taxes this year, as detailed in plans tied to the governor’s upcoming budget.
- Turning the pledge into policy requires approval by the New York State Legislature through the budget due April 1.
- The package also strengthens NYC’s 3‑K, targets universal pre‑K statewide by 2028–29, creates a State Office of Child Care and Early Education, and boosts child care subsidies by about $1.2 billion (roughly 40%).
- A recent federal freeze on child‑care funds cited at $1.1 billion to as high as $3 billion for New York poses a fiscal risk, with state officials evaluating legal options.