New York State of Unaffordability Part 1: Why Childcare Is a Flashpoint in This Year's Governor Race

In a small daycare center in Upstate New York, families are pulling their kids out after the state assistance that made childcare affordable ran dry. It's happening in dozens of counties across New York, and it's part of a bigger fight over the cost of living that's at the center of this year's race for governor. Kathy Hochul wants to expand childcare subsidies, while challenger Bruce Blakeman argues the state should have a limited role in supporting care arrangements.

WNYC and Gothamist reporter Jimmy Vielkind heads to Willsboro, New York to see what's at stake for families and daycare owners, and joins us to kick off our four part series, New York State of Unaffordability, dropping every Wednesday in October.

Photo: Clubhouse Daycare Center / courtesy Taylor Loreman 

Got any questions, comments or story ideas? Send us a message at NYCNow@WNYC.org.

• NYC moves to spend nearly $9M of gender-affirming care fund for minors
• NYC’s autumn foliage will be a fall feast this year