New York City Council leaders announced their plan to push Mayor Eric Adams to allocate an additional $800 million for education in the city’s final budget.
According to budget documents, the proposed funds include $280 million for early childhood education, $180 million for the City University of New York (CUNY), and the rest for K-12 schools. When capital projects are considered, the total education-related funding request rises to $1.6 billion.
Focus on Early Childhood Education
Expanding investment in child care remains a top priority for the council. Lawmakers are urging Adams to restore nearly $200 million for the city’s free 3-K and preschool programs, which were left out of his initial budget proposal in January. They also seek an additional $84 million to expand child care voucher coverage.
“This year, we are once again fighting for a resource that is vital to communities across the city,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams, a Queens Democrat challenging Mayor Adams for the party’s nomination. “Early childhood education remains a top priority for this council because we know it is critical to child development and working families.”
Budget Negotiations Underway
The council’s budget response provides a first look at its priorities as negotiations with City Hall begin. Mayor Adams is expected to release his executive budget by May 1, with the final budget expected by the end of June.
City finances are in a better position this year compared to previous years, thanks to federal COVID relief funds and increased revenue. However, financial risks remain, as the state budget could cut funding in key areas. Additionally, federal budget cuts under the Trump administration pose further uncertainty.
Debate Over Child Care Funding
Child care has become a key point of contention. Mayor Adams has pushed for cuts, arguing that the city needs a sustainable plan to reduce the number of unfilled seats in early education programs. However, council members and advocates insist that expanding child care services is essential amid the city’s ongoing affordability crisis.
The debate centers on nearly $197 million in funding provided for 3-K and preschool programs this year, which was excluded from Adams’ initial budget. This funding includes $112 million for 3-K, $55 million for special education preschool seats, $25 million for extended day programs, and $5 million for outreach efforts.
Many of these programs were initially funded by federal COVID aid, which expired last year. The council successfully pushed to restore funding last year, but only on a temporary basis.
In addition to restoring $197 million, the council is asking for $84 million to expand child care vouchers. These vouchers help families afford infant and toddler care as well as after-school programs.
Challenges in Child Care Voucher Program
The city’s main child care voucher program, the Child Care Assistance Program, supports nearly 80,000 families and is primarily funded by the state. However, officials warn that the program is facing a major budget shortfall. Without additional state funding—estimated at nearly $1 billion—the city may have to remove thousands of families from the program each month.
To address this, the council is calling for an additional $24 million to raise the income eligibility limit from approximately $108,000 to $128,000 for a family of four.
Additionally, the council wants to expand the New York Promise program, which provides child care vouchers to undocumented families who do not qualify for state-funded assistance. The proposal would extend coverage to 3,500 children, requiring a $60 million annual investment.
Rebecca Bailin, executive director of the New York Child Care Alliance, praised the council’s plan, calling it “a step in the right direction toward universal child care that will keep families in New York.”
Additional Funding for K-12 Schools
Beyond early childhood education, the City Council is advocating for the restoration of K-12 programs that were previously funded by federal relief funds but received only one year of renewed funding in last year’s budget.
This includes:
- $5 million for a school mental health program promoted by Mayor Adams
- $14 million for community schools that offer additional services for students and families
- $41 million for arts education
- $10 million for affinity high schools that collaborate with outside networks
- $65 million for school nurses
- $154 million to replace expiring federal funds for custodial services
- $10 million to recruit more school cafeteria workers
Education-Related Capital Expenses
In addition to program funding, the council is also seeking more than $800 million in capital expenses for education. This includes $150 million for cafeteria improvements and $450 million to make school buildings more accessible to students with disabilities.
As budget negotiations continue, the City Council remains committed to securing increased education funding, arguing that these investments are necessary to support students and working families across New York City.
