Zohran Mamdani and Kathy Hochul expand child care in New York

New York leaders Zohran Mamdani and Gov. Kathy Hochul announced expansions to state-funded child care, including a new "2-care" program for 2-year-olds and $1.7 billion in added funding for the 2027 budget.

Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul announced a joint expansion of state-funded child care in New York. The plan introduces a program called "2-care," which adapts existing child care services to serve 2-year-olds, and the state will fund the initiative with priority for high-need areas. Hochul noted the state has previously invested about $8 billion in child care and said the new initiatives add $1.7 billion to the 2027 budget line, bringing it to $4.5 billion. Advocates including Reshma Saujani of Moms First described the announcement as a turning point, and officials said the broader effort includes a focus on expanding universal pre-K outside New York City. Key details: - Zohran Mamdani is in his first days in office and campaigned on a promise of universal child care. - "2-care" will age down existing programs to serve 2-year-olds, funded from the state budget and rolled out first in high-need areas. - The initiatives add $1.7 billion to the state's 2027 child care budget line, raising it to $4.5 billion. - Hochul said the state has already spent about $8 billion on child care prior to this announcement. - Reshma Saujani of Moms First, who has lobbied on expansion and worked with Hochul since 2023, called the move a turning point for families. - The New York announcement follows New Mexico, which implemented universal child care in September, and Hochul referenced that example. Summary: The announcement represents a collaborative effort between city and state leaders to expand early childhood care and access. Officials said initial implementation will prioritize high-need areas and that the broader push emphasizes statewide pre-K expansion. Detailed rollout plans and timing are undetermined at this time.