BUFFALO, N.Y. — A local lawmaker is trying to get money to fund child care for police officers.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is proposing the bill. The legislation would provide $24 million in federal funding for each of the next five years for child care, especially for police officers that are moms.
Gillibrand says this would ease the burden on working families, by removing a barrier which a recent survey shows caused 20 percent of officers to leave the job.
"It's an issue that disproportionately impacts our women, who make up about 12-percent of officers, and three-percent of police leadership. offering childcare is a powerful recruitment and retention tool, and it's essential to promote public safety, while maintaining a stable law enforcement workforce," Gillibrand said.
The program, Providing Child Care for Police Officers Act, would establish a pilot program to provide child care for children of police officers to accommodate the unusual work hours of the officers.
"Members of law enforcement face the same difficulties as all working parents when it comes to finding quality child care, with the added challenge of the 24-hour a day nature of police work. Efforts that bring forth legislation, which could also assist with recruitment and retention are appreciated," said New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James.
Troy Mayor Carmella Mantello said, “As the daughter of a retired Troy police officer and detective, I recall my dad working evenings and midnights while my mom worked days to shuffle childcare for four children. This childcare incentive will raise morale among officers and entice prospective recruits to join the force.”
Gillibrand's office says this would especially help officers who work outside of a 9 to 5 schedule.
