NY governor proposes $110 million for new child care centers

NEW YORK (PIX11) -- Continuing a theme of proposing splashy and spendy new proposals aimed at keeping families in New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul took aim at the lack of child care centers Tuesday.

Hochul wants to create a $110 million fund to support the construction of new child care facilities.

"It's all about affordability and availability when it comes to child care," Hochul said while making the announcement inside the Bushwick early childhood education center at the Grand Street Settlement.

The center is one of only a few in the area, which is considered a child care "desert" where parents have very few options. Teachers and administrators at the school say parents are often traveling great distances to drop their children off each morning, which can take a toll on learning.

"We have our whole day planned, with a lesson and interactive activities, but if we see it's too much on them, they're tired or have had a rough morning, we will accommodate," said Nathalia Daza, who teaches 4-year-olds.

The plan, which will need to pass through the legislature as part of the budget process, has the backing of powerful DC37 NYC public employee boss Henry Garrido.

He said many workers are required to live in the city they serve, but they can't find good child care themselves and have to move and leave their jobs.

However, the governor may face an uphill battle to get all her spending priorities approved. Leading up to her State of the State address next week she has proposed a huge child tax credit increase and stimulus checks.

Hochul has also pledged not to raise taxes even in the face of a budget hole at the MTA and billions in estimated cost overruns with New York's Medicaid program.