Zohran Mamdani’s new program to provide ‘free’ childcare to New York City residents is already running into all kinds of roadblocks from funding to physical resources.
Consider this a preview of how his city-owned grocery stores will operate.
Of course, the mayor has no choice but to try to make this work. He campaigned on this program, among others.
Also, it’s important to point out that this news about the problems with the childcare program is not being reported by conservative media, it’s the liberal New York Times.
From the NY Times story:
Funding Delays Threaten Rollout of Mamdani’s 2-K Program
Funding issues and late payments are threatening the rollout of Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s free child care system for 2-year-olds, two weeks before the program is scheduled to begin, day care providers said.
Many early childhood centers have yet to receive funding to buy classroom furniture and basic supplies like pencils and paper, or to pay newly hired teachers and assistants. Without the money, several providers have warned parents that the centers will not open when school starts on Sept. 10.
Because of the delays, city officials had encouraged providers to apply for interest-free bridge loans from the city — not just for 2-K programs but also for 3-K and pre-K programs. But many of those who have applied for the loans say that money has not arrived either, forcing them to take out high-interest personal loans, borrow from relatives and drain their personal savings.
Who could have predicted such a thing?
Hellbound and Down 