Nick Reisman reports in New York State of Politics that a group of state lawmakers and Gov. Kathy Hochul are far apart on child care proposals. Hochul's budget proposal includes expanding child care access for up to 100,000 families in the state. The governor would increase eligibility for aid to 200 percent above the federal poverty line to 225 percent. And Hochul wants $75 million in funding to increase pay for the child care workers. But some Democratic lawmakers want to institute universal child care in New York, which would cost about $5 billion. Child care is essential to the growth of our communities. For our families to thrive and our economy to be healthy, we need to ensure that everyone has access to quality child care. We need to make sure that program providers and teachers are being compensated for the important work and service they provide for New York's families," said Stevie Vargas, campaign coordinator, Alliance for Quality Education. "AQE stands with parents, providers, and child care teachers in calling on New York State to invest $5 billion for universal child care." Several lawmakers are discussing the proposal, but it is unknown if it has the support to pass this year. "The legislature has the opportunity to provide quality care and early education to children regardless of income level with universal child care — the question is, will they work to create a system which leaves out protections for some children, or work toward a compassionate system for all?" said Matthew Mackey, a member of Citizen Action of New York in the Hudson Valley. Read more about this story at New York State of Politics.