Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford) today joined Assembly Minority Leader Ed Ra (R,C-Franklin Square), colleagues, parents and child care providers in Albany to highlight growing concerns surrounding the state’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), warning that funding gaps are creating serious disruptions for working families across New York.

DeStefano said recent changes to expand eligibility have not been matched with the resources needed to sustain the program, leading to uncertainty for both families and providers.

“On Long Island, families are already dealing with some of the highest costs of living in the country, and child care is one of the biggest burdens,” said DeStefano. “When the state expands a program but doesn’t properly fund it, it’s not helping families, it’s setting them up for instability.”

Advocates and providers at the event pointed to paused applications, inconsistent support and growing financial pressure on child care centers as key indicators that the system is under strain. DeStefano stressed that without predictable funding, providers are unable to plan for the future, which ultimately limits access for families.

“We’re hearing from parents who don’t know if their child care will still be there next month and from providers who don’t know if they can keep their doors open,” DeStefano said. “That’s not a functioning system, that’s a warning sign.”

DeStefano called on state leaders to prioritize fully funding existing commitments and implementing practical reforms that expand capacity without overwhelming the system.

“We all want to make child care more accessible, but it has to be done the right way,” he said. “That means focusing on sustainability, supporting providers and making sure families can rely on the programs they’re being promised.”