It is time for universal child care in New York. It benefits children, families, gender equality and the economy. New York City mayoral candidates and Gov. Kathy Hochul have made child care central to their agendas. New Yorkers, including Long Islanders, need it now more than ever.

When I considered having a second child, I faced an impossible choice: leave New York City or stop at one child. My husband and I — both tenured full professors — could not afford care for two children without help from my family. We earned too much for subsidies, yet not enough to manage the soaring costs. This is the reality for countless New Yorkers.

Child care is expensive. In 2024, the market rate for center-based infant care was $25,168 in Nassau and Suffolk counties and $26,000 in New York City. Only

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