Secretary Mosley Highlights Childcare Accessibility Issues
During a breakfast hosted by the Genesis Group, Secretary Walter Mosley delivered a slideshow presentation titled “Your Family is My Fight.” In his presentation, Mosley emphasized the critical barriers families face in accessing affordable childcare. He discussed the financial strain caused by high childcare costs and the impact on parents’ ability to remain in the workforce. Mosley outlined the significance of state and local initiatives aimed at alleviating these challenges and supporting working parents.
Childcare challenges remain a significant barrier for families and the workforce in Mohawk Valley. In 2022, 140,236 children under six lived in families where a parent had to leave a job, take a leave of absence, or reduce work hours due to childcare difficulties. Additionally, 91,800 New York parents worked part-time because of childcare issues, with 86% being women, according to the Department of Labor. The average cost of childcare for an infant exceeds$18,000 annually, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to support working families.
Governor Hochul’s Budget Proposals
Secretary Mosley detailed Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2026 budget, which includes several measures to make childcare more affordable:
- $1,000 tax benefits* for parents earning under $123,000* annually with children under five not enrolled in kindergarten.
- Expanded child tax credits and inflation refunds to reduce the financial burden on families.
- Middle-class tax cuts to provide additional economic relief.
These proposals aim to mitigate the high costs of childcare, enabling parents to maintain their employment and support their families without excessive financial strain.
Tony Picente’s Strategic Initiatives
Oneida County Executive Tony Picente addressed the local response to the childcare shortage, stating, “In Mohawk Valley, there aren’t enough childcare slots and certified providers to meet the growing demand. My office is actively engaged in thinking outside the box and exploring innovative ways to expand our childcare infrastructure.” Picente highlighted several initiatives, including:
- Expanding the Family Daycare Startup Program, which has created eight new daycare centers and added 48 childcare slots.
- Collaborating with local organizations to increase the number of certified childcare providers.
- Engaging with community stakeholders to identify and implement effective childcare solutions.
These efforts are crucial in addressing the region’s growing demand for childcare services and ensuring that working parents have reliable options.
Business Navigator Toolkit: A Strategic Resource for Employers
Introduced during the event, the Business Navigator Toolkit is a comprehensive resource developed by the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County (CCE), sponsored by the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council and the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. This toolkit assists employers in creating effective childcare strategies, featuring:
- Comprehensive Strategies: Guides tailored to various employee demographics.
- Resource Connections: Links to local childcare providers ensuring quality care access.
- Tax Credit Information: Insights into available tax incentives to offset childcare costs.
- Case Studies: Examples of successful childcare initiatives.
- Ongoing Support: Continuous assistance through local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) agencies.
Employers can access the toolkit free of charge at eclcemployerchildcaretoolkit.com, empowering them to foster a family-friendly workplace and improve workforce retention.
