NYC Child Care Voucher Program Faces $1B Shortfall

New York City has stopped new enrollments in its Child Care Assistance Program due to a budget standoff between Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul. The program, which provides approximately $300 per week to low-income families, now faces a nearly $1 billion shortfall following a 750% surge in enrollment since 2022 and rising provider reimbursement rates. Governor Hochul's latest budget offers $350 million in funding on the condition that the city matches the amount, a requirement City Hall has rejected. Current voucher recipients will retain benefits if they recertify on time, but new applicants are being placed on a waitlist as officials negotiate. Thousands of families could lose access to affordable child care in the coming months if no additional funding is secured. Both city and state officials blame each other for the financial impasse.