Mamdani and Hochul launch free childcare program for two-year-olds as first step toward universal coverage

NEW YORK (MNTV) – New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and New York Governor Kathy Hochul appeared together on Tuesday to announce that 2,000 free childcare places will be offered to two-year-olds in the nation’s largest city starting later this year — a small but concrete first step toward fulfilling the new mayor’s ambitious campaign promise of free childcare for all.

The program will grow next year to 12,000 free spots for an estimated 100,000 two-year-old New Yorkers.

Funding — $73 million for the first year and $425 million for the second — will come from New York State as part of the $1.2 billion the state has committed to invest in free early childcare, and will not require the tax increases Mamdani had sought and the governor opposed.

Hochul, asked by reporters about possible tax hikes to fund the program, said: “We can do it with existing revenues. Take what I’m saying as your answer.”

Mamdani said the city is “making what Wall Street would call a good investment,” noting that researchers estimate every dollar spent on early childcare returns as much as $13.

The expansion of universal childcare, along with a rent freeze and free buses, was central to Mamdani’s campaign. His first term began in January.

Funding concerns have proved an obstacle to cancelling bus fares, with the mayor describing it as an ongoing “budget conversation” as the city seeks replacement revenue for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Rent-stabilized apartment adjustments will be discussed later this year at a meeting of the Rent Guidelines Board, the majority of whose members, including its chair, Mamdani appointed last month.