New Mexico just made history by becoming the first state to guarantee free, universal child care for all families—regardless of income.

Families are saving up to $12,000 per child, per year.

The policy is already easing financial burdens, boosting early education, and helping parents return to the workforce. It’s working.

Now it’s New York’s turn.

In one of the most economically diverse and fast-paced states in the country, child care should never be the reason a parent leaves their job—or a child falls behind before they even reach kindergarten. But for many New York families, the cost and availability of care remain out of reach.

We, the undersigned, urge Governor Kathy Hochul, the New York State Legislature, and local leaders to:

• Advance bold legislation to establish universal access to affordable child care statewide
• Increase funding for expanding and renovating licensed child care facilities, especially in rural and high-need urban areas
• Develop a permanent funding model that ensures long-term affordability and equitable access for every New York family.
   

Universal child care is not a partisan issue—it’s a foundation for economic mobility, gender equity, and child development.

New York has always led on big, visionary ideas. Let’s do it again—for the parents, for the providers, and for the next generation.

Sign this petition to call on state leaders to bring universal child care to New York.