Funke, Robach Deliver $2.3 Million for Affordable Childcare in Monroe County

Rochester Senators joined by County Executive, Mayor, & YMCA President to discuss funding to serve approximately 375 local kids

Video Link: https://youtu.be/AfbY-n7FJFM 

Senator Rich Funke and Senator Joe Robach today announced that, at their request, the 2015-16 New York State Budget delivers $2.3 million to support affordable childcare for approximately 375 children in Monroe County. The Senators were joined at the announcement by Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks, City of Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren, and George Romell, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater Rochester, to discuss the benefits of the funding for at-risk families across our community.

“Affordable childcare helps more parents transition from welfare to work, simultaneously protecting taxpayers and growing our economy,” said Funke. “I’m proud to deliver $2.3 million to support quality childcare for around 375 kids in Monroe County this year and I thank Senator Robach for his help. It all starts with family in life and economic development, so giving families the support they need to be self-sufficient is a great way to help them get ahead in the job market.”

“I have always fought for fair and continuous childcare funding for working families, single mothers and children during my tenure in the State Legislature,” said Robach. “Affordable daycare is critically important for so many young families in our community, giving them the peace of mind that their children are being properly cared for in a safe, nurturing environment. This funding will directly benefit hundreds of eligible families in Monroe County, I am pleased Senator Funke has joined me to help deliver these funds to Monroe County.”

Most subsidized childcare programming administered through the Monroe County Department of Human Services is supported by the Child Care Block Grant (CCBG), which is distributed to social service districts across the State through a set funding formula each year. The $2.3 million delivered by Funke and Robach will instead be allocated through a separate line-item in the 2015-16 State Budget, allowing the funding to be targeted directly to eligible families in Monroe County. It is anticipated that Monroe County will be able to serve approximately 375 more children as a result of the additional $2.3  million over the CCBG Allocation. Families whose household income threshold is 275% or less of the federal poverty level are eligible to apply for childcare supported by the additional funding. 

“I would like to thank Senator Rich Funke and Senator Joe Robach for recognizing the immediate need to assist low-income families in our area and delivering critical childcare funding,” said Brooks. “As a result, we will now be able to direct the $2.3 million of increased funding to the children and families in Monroe County who need it most. Putting our families first, Senators Funke and Robach have helped improved outcomes for local children and families by ensuring residents have access to high-quality, affordable childcare.”

“The cost of childcare is often a barrier for parents seeking a job to break the cycle of poverty,” said Warren. “Senators Funke, Robach, and our entire state delegation stood up for Rochester’s children in the state budget, and as a result more families will have access to jobs and more children will have access to the educational component available through quality childcare.”

Increased funding for affordable childcare was a top priority for the 2015 legislative cycle jointly supported by Brooks, Warren, Romell, and other stakeholders, including the Rochester Community Coalition. The Coalition, which encompasses representation from the County, the City, and various community groups, stated in its 2015 Report: “Well-established evidence shows that high quality childcare opportunities for working families lead to greater workplace productivity for current employees and improved academic readiness and health for children.”

“We are extremely pleased to hear that funding has been allocated to provide affordable child care to the communities we serve,” said Romell.  “As the largest child care provider in Monroe County, families look to the YMCA of Greater Rochester for guidance, support, and care during their child’s most critical years of development. This funding will allow the Y to deepen our impact by providing an even greater number of working families in need with a safe and nurturing environment for their children.”

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