Universal Child Care Coalition
Governor Kathy Hochul has privately convened a coalition to find a way to pay for universal child care, despite publicly touting her support for the issue.
Many lawmakers, unions, advocacy organizations, and provider groups were unaware of the coalition, which was proposed in January to "identify a responsible and sustainable path" to fund universal child care.
The state budget allocated $1 million to set up the group, which is expected to include fiscal experts and representatives from business, labor, and child care providers.
Legislators hoped its work would inform Hochul's next budget proposal.
Author's summary: Hochul forms secret coalition for universal child care.