Yesterday, Melissa Aase, CEO of University Settlement, stood alongside NYC leaders at Grand St. Settlement to hear the Comptroller’s new report on childcare – and to rally against devastating cuts proposed in the Mayor’s preliminary budget.

The new budget slashes:

• Over $300 million compared to last year’s budget
• Support for children with special needs
• Funding for undocumented children and their families through the Promise NYC program

To make matters worse, the City also announced plans to cancel leases for five early childhood education centers in Brooklyn, putting them at risk of closure. At a time when affordable childcare is more essential than ever, these cuts push us further from the progress NYC families urgently need.

Joining the rally were Senator Jabari Brisport, Day Care Council of New York, United Neighborhood Houses, and other advocacy groups. Together, we made our message loud and clear: NYC must prioritize childcare for all families – and we won’t stop fighting until it does.