New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) Commissioner Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden visited Monsey on Friday to highlight Governor Kathy Hochul's State Fiscal Year 2027 Budget, with a strong focus on expanded child care funding that officials say will bring immediate relief to families across Rockland County. The meeting was arranged by Assemblyman Aron Weider.

The presentation, hosted at the Community Outreach Center, drew local officials, child care providers, parents, and community leaders. Among those in attendance were Senator Bill Weber, Assemblymember Aron Wieder, Ramapo Town Supervisor Michael Specht, Rockland County Department of Social Services Commissioner Patrick Frawley, and Community Outreach Center Executive Director Rabbi Hersh Horowitz.

A key announcement centered on the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which received a record $3 billion in the new state budget—a 40% increase over last year and three-and-a-half times the annual funding provided when Governor Hochul first took office.

For Rockland County, the impact is especially significant. The county will receive $18.7 million in CCAP funding for State Fiscal Year 2027, an increase of $7.6 million, or 68%, over the previous year. In addition, Rockland is expected to receive another $2.5 million in supplemental funding to help cover child care costs carried over from the prior fiscal year.

Officials said the increased funding has already allowed Rockland County to begin enrolling high-priority families who had previously been placed on a waitlist after demand exceeded available funding, providing long-awaited assistance to local working families.

Commissioner Harris-Madden also highlighted recent investments in child care infrastructure across the county. As part of a statewide $106 million grant program announced in June, three Orthodox Jewish community organizations in Rockland County received awards totaling more than $13 million:

* $5 million for the New Square Community Improvement Council.

* Nearly $5 million for the Keren Yad Ve'Izer Spring Valley Early Childhood Center.

* $3.3 million for the Rising Child Center.

Beyond child care, the commissioner reviewed other key components of the state budget, including tax relief, public safety, housing, and immigration initiatives, before taking questions from attendees.

Following the presentation, Commissioner Harris-Madden met with members of the media to discuss how the expanded investments are expected to strengthen child care access for families throughout Rockland County while supporting providers facing growing demand.