A8862
An act to amend the Social Services Law — 2024-06-07 · Calendar #82
The New York State Senate passed legislation to amend the Social Services Law by eliminating the minimum earnings requirement for childcare assistance program eligibility. Assembly Bill 8862, sponsored by Assemblymember Paulin and substituted for the identical Senate Bill 7840, was approved on a roll call vote of 57-0. Sen. Ramos explained her affirmative vote, noting the measure will expand childcare assistance to approximately 10,000 additional families in New York State. The bill removes barriers that previously prevented low-income families from accessing childcare support and aligns with the chamber's commitment to reducing child poverty by half by 2030. The legislation took effect immediately.
PASSED
Ayes: 57
· Nays: 0
Debate Summary
The bill eliminates the minimum earnings requirement for CCAP (Childcare Assistance Program) eligibility. Sen. Ramos explained her affirmative vote, noting the measure would expand childcare assistance to approximately 10,000 additional families in New York State by removing barriers that prevented low-income families from accessing support. The legislation addresses child poverty reduction efforts and ensures vulnerable families do not have to choose between food security and childcare.