Bill > A01001

This bill amends the social services law to implement automatic market rate increases for child care assistance, ensuring that the payment rates for child care services will be equal to the rates established by the department of social services. Specifically, the bill changes the existing language from limiting payments to "no more than" the market-related rate to requiring payments that are "equal to" the payment rate. The department will determine these rates using a market-rate survey or an approved alternative methodology, with the goal of ensuring that children receiving assistance have equal access to child care services as children whose parents are not receiving government assistance. The payment rates will take into account variations in child care costs across different settings, age groups, and for children with special needs. This change is designed to provide more consistent and potentially higher reimbursement rates for child care providers serving families receiving government assistance, potentially improving access to quality child care services.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1001