Child care promises Gov. Hochul made to New Yorkers in her State of the State

Gov. Kathy Hochul is keeping families with young kids at the center of her political agenda this year, vowing to make child care universal and affordable across New York.

During her State of the State speech on Tuesday, the Democrat and first New York governor who is also a mom pledged a series of investments to expand low-cost child care options for children under 5, including her promise last week to fund a free program for 2-year-olds in New York City.

Child care costs can average about $20,000 a year. Federal standards recommend paying no more than 7% of a household’s income toward care, meaning a family would have to earn more than $285,000 a year for care to be considered affordable.

“Get this: In New York City, child care costs between $26,000 and $40,000 a year. For that price, your toddler should be fluent in three languages and doing your taxes,” Hochul said.

Hochul, who is seeking a second full term in November, will have to get her plans approved by the state Legislature.