Gillibrand pushes for $50 billion in child care resources

Playground at Buffalo State College. July 24, 2020 (WBEN Photo/Mike Baggerman)
Photo credit Playground at Buffalo State College. July 24, 2020 (WBEN Photo/Mike Baggerman)

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) – Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is pushing for $50 billion in child care resources in the next coronavirus stimulus package.

The senator, who was at Buffalo State College on Friday with Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul and child care professionals and advocates, said roughly two-thirds of Erie County is considered a child care desert.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is at Buffalo State this morning with Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. They’re highlighting child care concerns, including a worry that there will be a 4.5 million loss in child care slots. Gillibrand said the industry is on the brink of collapse. pic.twitter.com/8eLGAawyR9

— WBEN NewsRadio 930AM (@NewsRadio930) July 24, 2020

“Child care providers are committed to taking the necessary steps and the necessary health and safety precautions,” Gillibrand said. “The measures they must take - purchasing more supplies and PPE, reducing group sizes, modifying classroom spaces, sanitizing, adjusting staffing, and providing premium pay – all cost money that our providers are not making.”