Summary:

NYC mayoral candidate Zellnor Myrie proposes free after-school care for all public school students.
The program would run until 6 p.m. on weekdays, covering children from 3-K to 12th grade.
Myrie's plan aims to alleviate childcare challenges faced by working parents and address the high cost of after-school care.
The initiative would also guarantee summer program spots, eliminating lengthy waitlists.
Funding sources may include savings from reduced migrant spending and revenue from unpaid tax audits.

NYC Mayoral Candidate: Free After-School Care for All!

State Senator Zellnor Myrie, a Democratic candidate for NYC mayor, announced a bold plan: free after-school care for every public school student, from 3K to 12th grade, until 6 pm on weekdays. This initiative aims to ease the burden on working parents and address the significant childcare challenges faced by many New York City families.

Addressing a Critical Need

Myrie's proposal recognizes the difficulties parents face balancing work and childcare. Many families struggle to find affordable or available after-school programs, often leading to long waitlists and significant financial strain. This plan seeks to provide universal access to a vital service.

The proposal also includes guaranteed spots in the city's free summer programs, tackling the issue of waitlists that affect tens of thousands of children annually.

Funding the Plan

While specifics are still being developed, Myrie's plan intends to leverage various funding sources. These include potential savings from reduced local spending on migrants and revenue generated from audits of unpaid taxes. The financial feasibility of this massive undertaking remains a key question.

The Broader Context

This initiative addresses a national problem. National surveys reveal that over 20 million U.S. children lack access to after-school programs despite parental interest. Lower-income families are often disproportionately affected.

Learn more about the national after-school program shortage

Learn more about revenue options for NYC

Source: The New York Times