Public trust in politics is caused by action, not language. Promises around affordability and family support are common, but executing them is what determines whether they matter. In New York, Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s commitment to free child care reflects a promise that moved from words to policy. Child care affordability is a critical issue for New Yorkers. According to Child Care Aware of America, New York families face some of the highest child care costs in the country, with many households spending a significant share of their income on early education. These costs make it harder for parents to stay in the workforce, especially mothers.
In early January, Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a new plan to launch 2‑Care, a universal free child care program for 2‑year‑olds in New York City, as the first step toward child care reform. The initiative will begin in neighborhoods this fall and expand citywide over the next few years, with the state committing about $1.7 billion in funding for the first two years as part of the rollout. The city plans to work closely with existing child care providers, including home‑based programs, to add more seats and build capacity as the program scales up. Mamdani has said the effort will eventually serve every family across the city, with continued expansion and collaboration with parents and providers as part of the multi‑year strategy.
Looking at other places shows what public investment in child care can do. In Quebec, research shows that when low‑fee child care was introduced, many more mothers with young children were working compared with other regions. Quebec had one of the largest increases in employment rates for mothers between 1997 and 2023. Statistics Canada reports note that this pattern is linked with the province’s low‑cost child care system. Other countries like Sweden and France have treated child care as a public service for years, this approach helps parents stay in the workforce and supports economic stability.
Mamdani’s plan builds on lessons from other regions while addressing the needs of New York families. By making child care free for families, it would directly ease the burden on parents who currently face high costs. The benefits also extend to children: research from the Harvard Center on the Developing Child shows that early care supports brain development, emotional well-being, and academic success. Accessible child care in New York can help children learn, grow, and thrive.
Mamdani’s child care policy in New York shows how political promises can become real change. By making child care free for families, the plan eases the financial burden on parents, helps children access early education, and supports the city’s workforce and economy. Mamdani’s initiative demonstrates that local leadership can deliver real results for residents. In a city where families face some of the highest child care costs in the country, this policy is a clear example of how promises can turn into action.
By: Sahra Mohamed
