As the end of the school year nears, Onondaga County announced that funding for child care assistance is running out and has temporarily stopped accepting new applications and renewals. This program is 94% funded by federal and state aid. While funding from state and federal was increased in 2025 by $7.8 million dollars, Onondaga County kept their funding flat at $2.4 million dollars.
With over $200 million in their rainy day fund, I would think there is something Onondaga County can do to continue this essential program for working families. Last month, Onondaga County Republicans voted to spend $27 million to buy land for private companies and millions in ARPA funding have been taken to build an expensive aquarium. Where is the funding for child care especially when it is so crucial when school is on summer break?
There was no mention or anything on the legislature’s agenda today to address this critical issue. Although their healthy fund balance was mentioned. What good is a rainy day fund if they don’t use it when it rains? And as we all know it has been raining.
As a mom of three, I know how important access to affordable child care is. Onondaga County needs to be doing more to address this issue now, families and childcare providers cannot wait until the fall.
