2025 Oral Testimony at NYS Budget Hearing

On February 12, 2025, The Adirondack Birth to Three Alliance’s Director, Kate Ryan, delivered oral testimony at the New York State Joint Budget Hearing for Human Services in Albany. The testimony told the story of a mother in Franklin County who became a licensed family child care provider after losing access to care herself. Her journey, challenged by geography, costly home modifications, months without income, and tireless dedication, reflects both the promise and the pain of the current rural child care system.

Despite her hard work and passion for nurturing young children, the financial reality of child care in rural New York forced her to eventually close her doors. Her story is not unique, and that was the aim of the testimony, it illustrates a broken system that fails families, providers, and the broader economy. To conclude, Kate requested legislators work to support our children and communities, by investing in universal child care and the infrastructure needed to sustain it.

Watch the testimony here. (Timestamp: 7:12:56)