BILL NUMBER: S4522
SPONSOR: BRISPORT
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the social services law, in relation to removing unnec-
essary barriers to child care subsidies for eligible children and fami-
lies
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section one amends subdivision one of section 410 of the social services
law, so that public welfare officials shall not limit authorized child
care services based on proof of immigration status.
Section two provides that self-attestation forms for parents shall be
accepted forms of verification of employment status and income.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Even though child care is education, and the 1982 United States Supreme
Court decision of Plyler v. Doe ruled that it is illegal to deny undocu-
mented children a K-12 education, discrimination in the provision of
child care continues to this day. This bill will clarify that proof of
immigration status is not required for the receipt of child care subsi-
dies.
Burdensome documentation, not required under federal law, to establish
income eligibility has also impeded access to child care, especially for
parents who work in the "gig economy" or are otherwise unable to provide
the required documentation to verify their work status or income level.
This bill will also expand access for those entitled to subsidies by
permitting self-attestation of income eligibility and work, status.
These barriers to access have significantly contributed to New York's
low utilization rates for child care. Increasing the utilization of
subsidies will help stabilize the child care industry by delivering more
funds to providers to keep their doors open, and to workers in the form
of higher wages. Ultimately removing barriers will contribute to the
revitalization of the economy by ensuring adults with families are able
to remain the workforce.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2021-22: S8962
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S4522: 410 social services law, 410(1) social services law, 410-w social services law