Dear Neighbor, 

New York is experiencing a child care crisis. 

For decades, we’ve failed to invest in child care as a public good--leaving parents with unaffordable child care options of varying quality and oftentimes forcing low-income families to rely on older siblings to pitch in. 

With the rise of nationwide joblessness and remote school learning in our city’s public schools, the situation has only gotten worse. 

READ MY CHILD CARE OP-ED WITH COMPTROLLER SCOTT STRINGER PUBLISHED TODAY BY GOTHAM GAZETTE

There is no economic recovery without child care.

That's why I'm joining New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer to call for the following: 

• Implementation of Comptroller Stringer’s NYC Under 3 Proposal
  NYC Under 3 would represent the nation's largest municipal-level expansion of child care assistance for families with children under three, providing affordable, accessible, quality child care for vulnerable parents.
   

• Earmarking Emergency Federal Funds for New York
  The Biden-Harris Administration has earmarked another $40 billion for child care in their American Rescue Plan. New York State must submit a plan this month for how it will strategically spend emergency funds, taking guidance from leading entities such as Empire State Campaign for Child Care.
   

• Allowing Parents and Provides a Seat at the Decision-Making Table
  Parent and provider participation in the decision-making processes is essential for the implementation of a well-rounded city-wide policy process.
   

• Maximizing State and Local Investments
  New York’s state and local governments must prioritize quality child care. Increased funding will be essential in our mission to ensure an inclusive process for all families of every background.

It's time to seize the moment and solve our child care crisis. 

In Solidarity, 

Jessica Ramos