WHEREAS, the mission of the Independent Neighborhood Democrats (IND) includes “bring[ing] the people of the 52nd Assembly District into active participation in the political process; engag[ing] with neighborhood organizations and groups to foster a greater civic and political voice for our community, translat[ing] civic activity into positive political activity, encourag[ing] enrollment in the Democratic Party, and elect[ing] Democratic candidates responsive to the needs of the community;” and
WHEREAS, the General Membership of IND was moved by the presentation by New Yorkers United for Child Care at its February 2024 Meeting; and
WHEREAS, IND members include young families, parents, and people who wish to be parents; and
WHEREAS, child care is the largest monthly bill for many New York families, ranging from $20,000 to $40,000 per child; and
WHEREAS, multiple sources, including New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, have found that middle and working-class New Yorkers, particularly Black New Yorkers, are leaving New York City and New York State at record numbers due to the twin affordability crises of housing and child care; and
WHEREAS, universal child care already exists in the form of universal 3-K and Pre-K; and
WHEREAS, the only lasting sustainable solution for families in New York is to provide universal child care; and
WHEREAS, the Universal Child Care Act (S.3245) in the New York State Senate and Intro. 0941-2023 in the New York City Council would provide funding for universal child care for New Yorkers on both the state and city levels. Now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that, because of its proven success in child development and reducing the burden of costs on families, New York City and New York State should fully invest in funding universal 3-K and Pre-K; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Independent Neighborhood Democrats call on the New York State Legislature to pass and Governor Hochul to sign the Universal Child Care Act; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Independent Neighborhood Democrats call on the New York City Council to reintroduce and pass Intro. 0941-2023 and for Mayor Adams to sign said legislation; and be it finally
RESOLVED, that the Independent Neighborhood Democrats thank its Senators Jabari Brisport, Andrew Gounardes, and Zellnor Myrie and its Councilmembers Lincoln Restler, Shahana Hanif, and Crystal Hudson for sponsoring or co-sponsoring bills to provide universal child care for New Yorkers.