New York, Jan 10 -- The ambitious plan for free childcare, championed by New York City's new social democratic Mayor Zohran Mamdani, took a decisive step forward on Thursday after securing financial backing from Governor Kathy Hochul. The goal is to progressively expand the service to achieve universal access for all New York families by the fourth year of the program. Meanwhile, 34-year-old Mamdani hailed the progress as a victory for united New Yorkers to secure 'a dignified life.' The mayor detailed that the city will work closely with home care providers to implement the plan and ensure the service meets required quality standards. Investment and Political Differences Despite the joint announcement, the alliance between the mayor and the governor, who is seeking re-election this year, has nuances regarding long-term funding. Funding: Hochul rejected Mamdani's original idea of raising taxes on corporations and millionaires to pay for the program and free transit. Total Budget: The governor anticipates an investment of $1.7 billion, which will include the expansion of 'universal Pre-K', the creation of community daycare centers, and increased subsidies for low-income families. Strengthening '3K': Both officials will collaborate to ensure the early childhood education program for three-year-olds, initiated by Bill de Blasio, finally fulfills its promise of universal access. A Victory for Working Families 'The cost of childcare is simply too high,' Hochul stated, presenting the plan as a 'concrete roadmap' to transform the lives of working parents. The agreement guarantees that the state will fully fund the program for its first two years of implementation. According to the Argentine News Agency, the program, named '2Care', will begin this fall with an initial coverage of about 2,000 children in the areas with the greatest needs.
