Resolution calling upon the State of New York to amend the Social Services law in order to raise the income eligibility for child care subsidies, so more children of working families have access to early childhood education services.

By Council Members Levin, Cornegy, Cabrera, Mealy, Barron, Gibson, Kallos, King, Koslowitz, Menchaca, Miller, Palma, Vallone, Reynoso, Richards, Cumbo, Williams, Espinal, Chin, Mendez, Rodriguez, Koo, Torres, Rose, Rosenthal, Eugene, Deutsch and Greenfield

Whereas, According to the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), approximately 217,000 children in 130,000 families received child care subsidies statewide in Federal Fiscal Year 2014, of which 65 percent of these children are from New York City; and

Whereas, New York State Law allows local social services districts to offer subsidized child care to families with incomes no greater than 200% of the State Income Standard (200% SIS), which is the equivalent to the Federal Poverty Guidelines; and

Whereas, In New York City, families are eligible for subsidized child care if they meet the SIS requirement and need child care to work, seek employment, or attend job training; and

Whereas, Based on the current SIS, the maximum income eligibility ranges from $31,860 for a family of 2 to $65,140 for a family of 6; and

Whereas, When available, the City provides tax levy funding to accommodate families exceeding the State eligibility maximum with incomes no greater than 275% SIS ($43,808 for a family of 2), 255% SIS ($51,230 for a family of 3), and 225% SIS ($54,563- $73,283 for a family of 4 or greater), according to the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS), which is the City agency that issues child care vouchers; and

Whereas, Families receiving child care subsidies must contribute to the cost of child care, which is calculated as a percentage of the family’s income above the Federal Poverty Level; and

Whereas, In New York City, low-income working families pay an estimated 35% of their income above the Federal Poverty Level for a child care subsidy, which adds up to $6,836 a year, according to a report issued by the Empire Justice Center; and

Whereas, Many low to moderate income working families who are not eligible for child care subsidies struggle with the cost of child care, according to a report issued by the New York State Assembly Child Care Workgroup; and

Whereas, Increasing the State’s income eligibility for subsidized child care would help more children in New York City gain access to early childhood education; and

Whereas, The cost of living in New York City is one of the highest in the United States and the majority of families in New York State who depend on child care subsidies live in New York City; and

Whereas, Given these facts, the maximum State eligibility level should increase from 200% SIS overall to 375% SIS for a family size of 2 ($59,738), 355% SIS for a family of 3 ($71,320), and 300% SIS for families of 4 or greater ($72,750 - $97,710), which can benefit more families who struggle to meet child care payments; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the State of New York to amend the Social Services law in order to raise the income eligibility for child care subsidies, so more children of working families may have access to early childhood education services.

LS #4652

4/9/15

3:50 p.m.