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Child care subsidies at risk of losing millions

Posted at 8:27 AM, Jan 08, 2016
and last updated 2016-01-08 12:23:44-05

New York state child care subsidies are at risk of losing tens-of-millions of dollars in federal funding.

State Senator Tim Kennedy joined advocates from the Child Care Resource Network on Thursday to call for protection and expansion of subsidies for families in Erie County.

Sen. Kennedy says the push will help parents who are struggling to make a choice between getting a job, or taking care of their child.

"Child care is not a nicety. It is a necessity for working women in particular. It is good for us all. Quality child care reduces absenteeism and increases retention for employers," said Sheri Scavone, of the WNY Women's Foundation. "It develops the intellect and social skills of these children you see here today, our future workforce."

Sen. Kennedy wants Governor Andrew Cuomo to expand the Workforce Development Institute's child care program. It provides subsidies to families with incomes up to 275 percent of the federal poverty level.

 

 

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