Establishes the "childcare and early education sector on the economy act"

BILL NUMBER:S3503A

Title of bill

An act to amend the economic development law, in relation to the "childcare and early education sector on the economy act"

Purpose

The purpose of this bill is to require the Department of Labor to conduct a study of the economic impact that the child care industry has had on the state economy. The study of the economic impact of the child-care industry shall include an analysis of the number of workers directly employed at childcare and early education facilities, a determination as to the gross receipts of the industry, the value of goods and services purchased by the child care and early education industry and the amount of federal dollars flowing to the state for child care and early education. The study will also evaluate the degree to which available child care and early education enables parents to work outside of the home and earn income, enable parents to attend educational programs, decreases absenteeism at work and attracts businesses to New York State. This study will further include an analysis of the demographic data to identify the relative cap between the needs in the state and the available resources, and the return to the economy, if that gap is closed. The study will review available literature regarding the impact of childcare and early education programs on children's future ability to contribute to the workforce. The Department shall report the results of the study of the economic impact of the childcare industry to the governor and the legislature on or before January first, two thousand and six.

Summary of specific provisions

This bill amends the Economic Development Law by adding a new Article 22 and Sections 450, 451, 452, 453, by requiring the Department of Labor to conduct a study of the economic impact of the childcare industry and submit the results of the study to the governor and the legislature.

Justification

Currently, there does not exist any requirement for a public agency to conduct a comprehensive study which would serve to identify the economic impact that the child care industry has had on the New York State economy. It is essential for the state's economic well being to conduct a study in order to determine the value that the child care industry has had on the state economy and thereby expend state resources in the most effective manner possible based upon the results of this study.

Prior legislative history

2009-12: S.2168/A.10133 - Referred to Economic Development This legislation was initially introduced in 2006 as A.12047.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the first of July next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law.