New York
Our 2010 Policy Priority:
- In order to provide child care subsidies for the same number of children in 2010 as in 2009, the legislature must add $50 million to the child care block grant.
Did you know that in New York:
- 4.4 million children (to the age of 18) live in the state;
- One out of every 3 children live in a household with only one parent;
- Only 15 percent of 3-year-olds and 57 percent of 4-year-olds were enrolled in state-funded; pre-kindergarten, Head Start or a special education preschool program;
- 66 percent of eighth graders are below grade level in math;
- 64 percent of fourth graders are reading below grade level; and
- 32 percent of high school students do not graduate on time with a high school diploma.
“My experience in private industry and work force development has shown that when you invest in people at an early age, you build a solid foundation that remains with them throughout their life.”
-Gary M. Nicklaus, President, Career Connections, LLC, Albany, NY
America’s Edge News
On August 13, the Times Beacon Record published an article that highlights the America’s Edge report findings that early learning investments will actually boost the local economy. Click here to read, “Little Ed program that could.”
America’s Edge member Robert Freaso, Vital Tools USA, wrote a letter-to-the-editor in response to the article, and it was published here: “Pre-K needs boost.”
Op-eds and Letters-to-the-Editor by America’s Edge Members:
America’s Edge Releases New Report in Albany, NY
Business leaders see a major economic boost for New York by expanding Childcare and Pre-K. Watch the video below for highlights from the news conference featuring America’s Edge members from New York. Click here to read the full report.
Report Coverage
March 12, 2010, Albany Times Union, “Childcare Payoff.”
March 11, 2010, Legislative Gazette, “Toddlers can save New York.”
“In the face of the current budget deficit, we need to do the math and make sure we look at all types of investments and determine which ones can give us the biggest return possible. I was surprised to learn that investments in quality early care and education is a very effective way to help jump-start New York’s economy. As the America’s Edge report points out, these investments increase sales in local goods as much or more as investments in other major sectors.”
-State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-NY), speaking at an America’s Edge press conference, March 11, 2010
*For more information, contact Lori King-Kocsis at (518) 465-7015, or lorikk@AmericasEdge.org.