Overview
- More than 2,200 LinkNYC kiosks are running a city public-service ad featuring Mayor Zohran Mamdani urging parents to enroll children in pre‑K and 3‑K.
- Critics cite a 2007 New York State law that bars elected officials from appearing in government public-service ads, questioning whether the spot is permissible.
- Mayoral spokesperson Dora Pekec and LinkNYC say no taxpayer funds were used and the city receives free PSA airtime under the franchise agreement, noting past mayoral PSAs.
- Mamdani told reporters the programs will not ask about children’s immigration status and reaffirmed sanctuary protections that limit ICE access to schools without a judicial warrant.
- Enrollment is open for children turning 3 or 4 this year with applications due February 27, and the effort follows a state-city partnership with Gov. Kathy Hochul to expand free childcare, including a plan for 2‑year‑olds.