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Child Care Support: A Cornerstone for Breaking the Cycle of Poverty

***George Cassidy Payne*** is a writer, philosopher, and advocate based in Rochester, NY.

In New York State, nearly half of the children live below the federal poverty line, and many families are struggling to make ends meet. For these families, particularly in cities like Rochester, affordable and reliable child care is often the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. Without access to child care, parents, especially single mothers, face significant barriers to participating in the workforce, furthering their education, or improving their financial stability.

As a domestic violence counselor and suicide prevention advocate, I have witnessed firsthand the overwhelming challenges that parents — particularly single mothers — face when they lack reliable child care. Many of these parents lack family or community support, and the prohibitive cost of child care makes it nearly impossible for them to pursue professional or educational opportunities. The emotional toll of having to choose between child care, paying for necessities, or keeping a job is immense, and for some, it leads to devastating outcomes, including thoughts of suicide. This harsh reality underscores the critical importance of affordable child care. Without it, families are trapped in a cycle of financial hardship and limited opportunities.

Beyond the individual families, the issue of inadequate child care has profound societal consequences. When parents cannot afford child care, the strain is felt across the entire community. Children miss critical developmental opportunities, which perpetuates cycles of disadvantage. Additionally, families face increased social isolation, mental health crises, and a higher risk of involvement in criminal activities. The community as a whole suffers from economic instability, as the financial struggles of parents limit their ability to contribute to the local economy. This ripple effect harms not only families but the broader fabric of society.

Governor Hochul’s Commitment to Child Care

New York State is beginning to take steps to address this urgent crisis. Governor Kathy Hochul has committed to expanding access and improving affordability through initiatives such as the Empire State Child Tax Credit. Proposed in her 2025 State of the State address, this expanded credit would provide up to $1,000 per child for families with children under age 3 and $500 for children aged 4 to 16. This increase is expected to help 1.6 million families across the state and reduce child poverty by 8.2%.

Alongside the expansion of the Empire State Child Tax Credit, Governor Hochul’s 2024–2025 budget includes a significant investment in child care, with the state’s childcare funding increasing from $303 million in 2010 to $608 million in 2024. While these are encouraging steps, it is clear that more needs to be done.

The Economic and Social Impact of Child Care

The financial burden of child care is not just an individual concern for families — it has far-reaching effects on the state’s economy and the well-being of local communities. High costs, particularly in places like New York City, contribute to population loss. Families with young children are often forced to leave due to the unsustainable cost of child care. This trend is most noticeable in neighborhoods such as the Bronx and Brooklyn, where the costs are among the highest in the nation.

By providing affordable child care, New York can support its workforce and stimulate economic growth. When parents have access to affordable child care, they can return to work, contributing to the state’s tax revenue and fostering economic stability. In addition, increased funding would support the childcare workforce, which has long been underpaid and overburdened. In New York City, the average weekly cost of child care for a 40-hour workweek is $886, with families spending anywhere from 8.9% to 16% of their income on care. This not only puts a financial strain on families but limits their ability to contribute to the local economy.

Furthermore, high-quality early childhood education has been linked to better cognitive development, improved emotional well-being, and long-term academic and career success. Research from the National Institutes of Health has shown that early childhood education improves cognitive skills and emotional regulation, fostering stronger academic performance and reducing the risk of later-life challenges such as unemployment or involvement in criminal activity. We are investing in the next generation of leaders, workers, and citizens.

A Solution for Conservatives

Addressing child care is not just a priority for liberals — it is a policy that can benefit everyone, regardless of political affiliation. By investing in child care, New York can drive economic growth. When parents can access affordable care, they can return to work, which generates additional tax revenue for the state. This reduction in reliance on public assistance programs helps families move toward self-sufficiency.

Additionally, supporting providers — many of whom run small businesses — stimulates the local economy. By increasing wages for childcare workers, New York can reduce turnover, improve care quality, and stabilize the workforce. This creates a win-win situation for parents, businesses, and the economy as a whole.

Investing in child care is an investment in the future. When we provide quality early education and care for children, we set them up for success in school and later in their careers. The long-term benefits of early childhood education far outweigh the costs, both in terms of economic growth and societal well-being.

The Case for a Billion-Dollar Investment

Although New York State has made significant progress by allocating $5 billion for childcare programs — including $500 million in workforce retention grants, the state must commit an additional $1 billion in fiscal year 2025 to adequately meet the needs of working families.

We must explore innovative funding solutions, such as private sector contributions. Corporations, foundations, and individuals all have a role to play in supporting this critical initiative. Some companies already invest in childcare assistance as part of their corporate social responsibility efforts, and many others could follow suit. By encouraging corporations to invest, New York can leverage private funding to expand access to affordable care. In return, companies would benefit from tax credits, public recognition, and the potential to attract and retain a skilled workforce.

A State-Run Child Care Fund

One promising solution is the creation of a state-run childcare fund, which could be built through contributions from individuals, businesses, and philanthropic organizations. This fund would serve as a pool of resources to subsidize services for families in need. The state could also explore using revenue from sources such as its lottery or legal cannabis sales to support the fund, ensuring a sustainable, long-term source of funding.

Moving Forward

Every dollar invested is an investment in the future of our state. By prioritizing child care, we can provide families with the support they need to thrive, ensuring a stronger economy, healthier communities, and a brighter future for our children.

Reach out to your local representatives, support advocacy organizations, and demand that child care becomes a priority in the 2025 budget. It is not just the right thing to do — it is the smart thing to do — for our families, our communities, and our future.

~ George Cassidy Payne is a writer, philosopher, and advocate based in Rochester, NY. His work delves into themes of spirituality, social justice, philosophy, and the human condition. Known for his introspective essays, evocative poetry, and thought-provoking commentary, George contributes to various publications and platforms, offering a distinctive perspective on contemporary issues and timeless questions.

Deeply engaged with his community, George writes on topics that resonate locally and globally, including peacebuilding, environmental ethics, and the interplay of faith and reason. His work strikes a balance between intellectual rigor and accessible language, inspiring reflection and connection among a wide audience.