Albany, NY – In response to Governor Kathy Hochul’s veto of A.1303-A/S.4924-A — a bill that would have eliminated the minimum income requirement for accessing child care assistance — Rebecca Garrard, Deputy Executive Director of Citizen Action of New York issued the following statement:
“Governor Hochul’s veto of this key child care bill has denied working families—especially those from Black, brown, and immigrant communities—the chance to access vital child care assistance and break the cycle of poverty. Despite claiming to understand the struggles of working families, her decision prioritizes protecting the wealthy over the well-being of everyday New Yorkers. With looming threats from the incoming Trump Administration to dismantle the support systems working families rely on, this veto is a betrayal to all those who are looking for bold leadership and real solutions, not excuses.
The Decoupling bill awaiting her signature remains an opportunity toward making child care more accessible for New York families. Governor Hochul has until December 24 to prove she stands with working families and not just the wealthy few. We urge New Yorkers to demand action—because no parent should have to sacrifice their children’s care for financial survival. Our communities deserve better, and we won’t stop until they get it.”