Bill > A02373

This bill requires the New York Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) to conduct a comprehensive regional cost factor analysis for child care subsidies, taking into account various economic and demographic factors that impact child care costs across different local social services districts. The analysis must consider factors such as county clusters, market rate costs, number of providers, median income, minimum wage rates, and poverty rates in each district. The goal is to create a nuanced understanding of the regional variations in child care expenses. Specifically, OCFS must develop regional cost factors using the economic development law's defined regions and complete this analysis within one year of the bill's effective date. Local social services districts will then be required to implement these regional cost factors to help incentivize the operation of child care providers and centers. By accounting for these diverse economic factors, the bill aims to create a more equitable and responsive child care subsidy system that reflects the true cost of providing child care services in different parts of New York State.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2373