NYC UAW Members Release Report & Rally for Universal Child Care

Today, over 100 UAW members and our allies rallied outside Governor Hochul's office in Manhattan in support of universal child care for all New Yorkers—following this morning's release of a new report authored with New Yorkers United for Child Care.

The report proposes including an initial investment of $2 billion in next year’s state budget, due to be negotiated and finalized by the end of March 2026, to guarantee universal preschool access to three- and four-year-olds statewide. This guarantee would alleviate an estimated $4.4 billion in child care costs for New York families and yield a projected $26 billion long-term return.

UAW member leaders addressed today's rally, including Jane Fox of the Association of Legal Advocates and Attorneys (UAW Local 2325), Tanya Nauvel of the Researchers Organizing Committee at Sinai (ROCS-UAW), and Region 9A Director Brandon Mancilla. “Putting an average of $20,000 a year back in families’ pockets is the best investment our state can make toward achieving the affordability agenda,” Mancilla told the Albany Times-Union.

Also in attendance were Assembly Member (and UAW Local 2110 member) Claire Valdez, State Senator Jabari Brisport, Council Member Tiffany Cabán, Council Member Elect Kayla Santosuosso, and former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, joined by three candidates running for Assembly: Conrad Blackburn (UAW Local 2325 member) for District 70, Diana Moreno for District 36, and Eli Northrup (former UAW Local 2325 member) for District 69.

In the News:

• Albany Times Union: Hochul wants universal child care. A new report suggests a starting point. (Dec. 11)