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Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha has expressed her support for Governor Kathy Hochul's initiative to establish universal childcare across New York. Shrestha, representing the 103rd Assembly District, believes this plan will significantly enhance access to childcare for families in the Empire State. The Hudson Valley, which Shrestha represents, currently ranks as the second-lowest region in New York for Pre-K access, leaving many parents struggling to balance work and family life.
Governor Hochul's proposal includes an investment of $470 million to improve the Pre-K system, aiming to increase access from 58% to 100% in the Hudson Valley. The initiative is part of a broader plan to provide universal Pre-K access for all four-year-olds in New York by the 2028-29 school year. Hochul's plan also involves partnering with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to deliver free childcare for two-year-olds in the city, alongside strengthening the existing 3K program.
Governor Hochul stated, "There’s one thing that every family in New York can agree on, the cost of childcare is simply too high." Shrestha echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the financial strain on families when parents, often mothers, are forced to leave their jobs due to lack of childcare.
Shrestha commented, "Access to childcare is at the heart of this struggle." She also highlighted the need for permanent funding sources, suggesting that the wealthiest individuals and largest corporations should contribute their fair share in taxes to support these initiatives.
The plan is expected to face challenges, but supporters like Shrestha are committed to advocating for its implementation, aiming to transform the childcare landscape for families across New York.