Hevesi Warns of Cuts at Child Services Office

Already this year, Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi has made his opinion on the city's educational cuts clear.

Now, he's going after the New York State Office of Children and Family Services for a possible cut in a child care program.

Hevesi sent a letter Tuesday to OCFS Commissioner Gladys Carrion, after the agency announced its decision to cut $1 million from the Child Care Resource and Referral program.

According to Hevesi, half of that funding will hit New York City families.

“Funding for child care and resource services hasn’t increased in nearly a decade, and this cut comes amid a time when the City of New York is also decreasing support for child care and after school programs,” Hevesi said. “These services are absolutely essential for ensuring the stability of middle and low income families throughout New York State, and particularly in New York City."

Hevesi, in his letter to Carrion, said the cuts would certainly cause problems for parents or families somewhere.

"Child Care Referral and Resource services engage in activities that ensure that parents are able to find adequate child care, enabling them to go to work, and strengthening our state’s economy," Hevesi wrote. "Additionally, this decrease in funding will result in one of two scenarios. Either people will lose jobs, or children will see a reduction in services."