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In this newsletter:

• Ways to Take Action
• Recent Events: Child Care Rally, Budget Debrief Webinar, + Media Training
• Media and Press Updates

Dear Empire State Campaign for Child Care members,

It’s been a busy month for the campaign! We have been working hard to advocate for funding for the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) as well as a permanent compensation fund for the child care workforce.

Take Action



The final budget is still in negotiations, so we’ll keep up the pressure - and so can you! Here are some ways you can take action today:



• Make 3 Calls
• Send a Letter
• Share on Social Media
• Write a Letter to the Editor

Child Care Rallies

One of the more memorable moments in March was the giant inflatable baby who joined us in Albany and New York City to make it clear that child care must be a priority in this year’s budget. It certainly sent a message and got some attention - big baby, big need!

Senate and Assembly Budget Debrief Webinar

We hosted a dual language budget update webinar, where we shared the latest developments and answered questions.

In case you were unable to attend, or if there is anything we discussed that you would like to revisit, you can find the recording here. You can also view our PowerPoint here. We will continue to share information as negotiations unfold.

Parent and Provider Media Training with Avoq Media

We also hosted a media training for child care providers and parents with Avoq Media on April 1st that was a wonderful success!

We look forward to doing more of this kind of programming to equip you with everything you need to advocate for child care in your community.

Media Coverage

Speaking of press, there’s been a lot of recent coverage surrounding the immediate need for funding for the Child Care Assistance Program. We have been working diligently to inform the public about why the funding shortfall is an urgent matter that must be addressed by lawmakers in this year’s budget.

• An Inside Look at the Fight for Universal Child Care in Albany, New York Now WMHT (4/3/25)

• Don’t Let New Child Care Crisis Undo the Progress We’ve Made, Empire Report (4/1/25)

• 7K NYC families could lose child care subsidies each month under state budget plan, Gothamist (3/31/25) 

• Child care for thousands of NYC families at risk due to state budget shortfall, NY Daily News (3/27/25)

• As state budget talks progress, child care advocates plead New York to address shortage of assistance funds, Spectrum News (3/26/25)

For additional articles about child care and the Empire State Campaign for Child Care, please visit our media library.

We are grateful to you, our members, who are advocating for a child care system that works for every New Yorker.

Here’s a great video from Action Lab NY of some of you in action in New York City. Thank you! Let’s keep the pressure on.

Connect with Us

You can find our 2025 legislative priorities (and so much more!) on our new and improved website.

You can also take our Advocate Quiz to learn about how your skills and strengths can help us in the fight towards a more equitable and inclusive child care system!

Stay connected and follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, and BlueSky!

Please email Shoshana Hershkowitz, Campaign Manager, at shershkowitz@empirestatechildcare.org if you have any questions.

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