A group of New York state lawmakers, who are mothers and call themselves "the Mom Squad," are urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign several pieces of legislation aimed to improve access to child care, according to a letter they sent to the governor this week.

The lawmakers say they are addressing legislation that would:

• allow families quicker access to child care assistance while waiting for the application process to be completed so parents do not lose job opportunities and children experience more care continuity
• decouple child care assistance coverage hours from a parent's work hours
• end the minimum earnings requirement that they say denies assistance to many parents whose earnings are on average less than minimum wage

“Child care is more than a workforce issue — it is a lifeline for families, an investment in the future of our children, and a key to unlocking the full potential of our economy,” the letter reads. “We are at a critical juncture, and now, more than ever, we must take bold action to make child care accessible and equitable for all. That is why we are urging you to sign three bills that passed with bipartisan support in both the Assembly and Senate. These bills are essential to removing the barriers that prevent families from accessing the child care they need and would help thousands of New York families become newly eligible for the Child Care Assistance Program.”

The lawmakers made a plea to Hochul on a personal level, who is the first New York governor to be a mother.

The requests come as the child care industry faces challenges from multiple fronts, with staff shortages and the end of federal dollars distributed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“No parent should have to choose between affording child care and putting food on the table," said Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas. "This lack of access not only hurts families but also costs our state billions of dollars in lost economic activity. As mothers in the legislature, we urge Governor Hochul to sign these bills into law and remove this barrier for thousands of families.”