August 2, 2023
Albany, NY

Governor Hochul and Micron Announce Substantial Progress on Child Care Commitments in Central New York

As Part of State’s Historic Green CHIPs Package, Micron will Break Down Workforce Barriers by Providing On-Site Child Care for Micron Employees

Micron will Provide Additional Grants for In-Home Child Care through PEACE

Announcement Follows Inaugural Central New York Community Engagement Committee Meeting; Group Will Identify Priorities to Guide $500 Million Green CHIPs Community Investment Fund

Governor Kathy Hochul and Micron Technology, Inc. today announced new details surrounding the company's child care commitments, as part of its historic $100 billion investment to build a cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing campus in Clay, Onondaga County. The transformational public-private partnership will bring up to 50,000 jobs to Central New York. As part of the agreement between Micron and New York State, Micron has purchased a parcel of land on Caughdenoy Road in Clay that will be developed to provide on-site daycare for Micron employees.

"Early in my career, I made the difficult decision to quit my job because our family didn't have access to child care – a difficult choice no parent in New York should be forced into,” Governor Hochul said. “Achieving that goal requires innovative policy solutions like our Green CHIPS Act, nation-leading economic development legislation that requires semiconductor manufacturers to commit to bringing affordable, reliable child care for the communities where these businesses put down roots. Micron has done incredible work living up to their end of the deal, including through a $500 million community fund, and I'm excited to see this child care facility move forward in Central New York."

Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer at Micron and Micron Foundation President April Arnzen said, “By removing barriers to workforce entry or reentry, Micron is creating opportunities for more women and others who have been typically underrepresented in our industry to step into impactful careers and contribute to their fullest potential. I’m pleased to join the Board of Directors at the Early Childhood Alliance of Onondaga County. We’re looking forward to working with Governor Hochul, County Executive Ryan McMahon, fellow business leaders and local childcare providers to provide more childcare opportunities to Central New York families.”

Since announcing Micron’s commitment to Central New York, the company has made significant investments in child care that will benefit Central New York families. Late last year, Micron pledged $500,000 to the YMCA of Central New York to help expand access to high-quality child care and early learning for underserved communities in the region. To date, $250,000 has been spent in early childhood education, impacting nearly 2,000 kids in the region. The remaining $250,000 will be devoted to child care for children up to five years old.

Additionally, Micron announced funding for the Early Childhood Career Pathways Program, administered by Childcare Solutions and PEACE Inc. This program is focused on expanding and enabling family home child care centers, benefiting the providers themselves, many of whom are women and minorities, by increasing the number of home child care centers. This helps to ensure stability and quality in an important child care service channel.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/IArzJWoG6HA

Incorporated in 1968, PEACE, Inc. is a federal designated Community Action Agency (CAA) that serves nearly 10,000 clients in Syracuse, Onondaga County, and portions of Oswego County. With a guiding principle of “Maximum Feasible Participation,” or the concept that those who are served by the CAA must also be involved with the organization’s decision-making processes, the agency pursues a mission to help people in the community realize their potential for becoming self-sufficient.

Today’s announcement follows the inaugural meeting of the CNY Community Engagement Committee, first announced in April 2023 as part of the Community Investment Framework agreement made between Micron and New York State. The Committee, comprised of subject matters experts and community leaders appointed by Governor Hochul, will engage with a wide range of stakeholders on an ongoing basis to ensure full representation for communities across the region in the process of developing priorities for community investment. The Committee met with residents, community leaders and stakeholders to outline the process for the development of a community priorities document that will support the company’s community investment strategy.

During the meeting, it was announced that Empire State Development and Micron commissioned an in-depth study to better understand the Central New York housing market and help guide stakeholder investments. The study will include data analysis, stakeholder engagement, understanding of case studies and national best practices, and policy research. ESD is finalizing the consultant and anticipates work starting in late 2023.

Micron has done incredible work living up to their end of the deal, including through a $500 million community fund, and I'm excited to see this child care facility move forward in Central New York."

Governor Kathy Hochul

Additionally, CenterState CEO recently selected consulting firm Fourth Economy to facilitate the Community Priorities Document process for the Committee. Fourth Economy will conduct data analysis on key focus areas, support the Committee’s engagement with community groups, lead focus groups and interviews with stakeholder groups and the public, and facilitate additional public meetings.

Governor Hochul signed New York’s transformative Green CHIPS legislation into law in August 2022 to make New York a hub for semiconductor manufacturing while creating jobs, kickstarting economic growth, and maintaining important environmental protections. In addition to establishing job and sustainability requirements, Green CHIPS ensures that businesses make significant investments in workforce and community development, including through training, education, and child care opportunities.

The Governor remains committed to expanding affordable, reliable child care across New York State. As part of the FY 2023 State Budget, New York State committed $7 billion over four years, reflecting that access to quality child care is critical to children, families, and the state's economic recovery. The FY 2024 Budget created the Workforce Retention Grant Program making $500 million in underutilized federal funds available as grants for eligible child care programs; a new $25 million Employer Child Care Tax Credit available to businesses over the next two years will create new child care seats (and expand existing options) for workers; and additional historic funding - including a $4.8 million investment in a new Employer-Sponsored Child Care Pilot Program. Additionally, $1 million was allocated in the Budget to create a statewide business navigator program in each of the 10 Regional Economic Development Council regions to help interested businesses identify options to support employees’ child care needs, and develop a statewide employer child care guidebook.

Governor Hochul and Micron Announce Substantial Progress on Child Care Commitments in Central New York

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said,“Lack of affordable, safe and reliable childcare is often the reason why a parent place their career on hold, putting a financial burden on their family. Governor Hochul’s Green CHIPs program removes barriers to the workforce and allows for families to thrive in New York State.”

Central New York Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Randy Wolken, President and CEO of the Manufacturers Association of Central New York and Le Moyne College President Linda M. LeMura said, “There is no overestimating Micron’s expected economic impact on Central New York. We commend them on their focused child care efforts, as providing on-site care for its employees to take advantage of will be crucial, not only for its continued success, but for the entire region. We remain ever grateful to the company and to Governor Hochul for making this investment a reality.”

Senator Chuck Schumer said, “With Central New York home to the largest investment in U.S. history, it’s all-hands-on-deck to build the workforce to fill the tens of thousands of new construction, manufacturing, and innovation jobs that Micron’s $100 billion project will create. And that means offering high-quality childcare options to our Central NY families. These targeted childcare commitments from Micron, including efforts to expand access to high-quality child care and early learning for underserved communities in the region, marks substantial progress towards the megafab project. I am proud to support Micron’s and Governor Hochul’s commitment to make affordable and accessible-child care a reality for more families across New York State.”

State Senator Rachel May said, “The lack of affordable childcare is one of the main barriers to full employment for many working families, and especially for women. As part of their commitment to becoming a major employer in Central New York, I’m happy to see that Micron has made it a priority to invest in several different areas that will provide quality and affordable childcare options for parents with young children. Thank you to Governor Hochul and Micron for working hard to ensure all Central New Yorkers have a chance to work, giving parents the opportunity to provide a good life for their children.”

State Senator John W. Mannion said, “Strengthening our childcare system and eliminating childcare deserts is a priority for the Senate Majority because quality, affordable, and accessible childcare is good for families, economic activity, learning, and contributes to the quality of life in our region. I am a strong supporter of the historic investments New York State has made over the last several years to directly address this issue. Adequate planning and continued investments in Central New York childcare are critically important as we prepare for the arrival of the semiconductor industry. I thank Micron for this community investment and strongly commend Governor Kathy Hochul for her commitment to families and children, her partnership on the Green CHIPS legislation, and for her foundational support to bring advanced manufacturing to Central New York.”

Assemblymember Al Stirpe said, "A lack of reliable and affordable childcare can be a barrier to entering the workforce for any working parent. As Micron builds up a semiconductor chips manufacturing facility right here in Central New York, I commend their commitment to our communities’ priorities and needs including providing access to affordable, high-quality childcare for their employees. This is a prime example of how we can leverage federal and state investments along with workforce creators, such as Micron, to not only strengthen our state’s economy but improve the quality of life for our workforce."

Assemblymember William Magnarelli said, “Investing in childcare is a necessary commitment as we expand the local workforce. Ensuring that employees have reliable high-quality childcare will allow employees the opportunity to focus during the workday.”

Assemblymember Pamela Hunter said, "Many families across Central New York are struggling to find adequate childcare as they look to build careers and provide. With Micron set to bring many more families to our region, this problem has the potential to become much more acute. By working with Micron to establish new childcare providers, Governor Hochul is ensuring that our communities can grow responsibly and that everyone has the chance to take advantage of the new opportunities that are coming to our region."

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said, “Access to affordable and reliable childcare is a barrier my ministration has diligently worked to solve since I took office. We have made unprecedented investments in the space and remain steadfast in our commitment. I want to think Micron and New York State for their investments in growing the childcare infrastructure in our community. Having a unified and comprehensive approach to this effort will ensure every member of our community has the opportunity to take advantage of this exciting new chapter in our community’s come back story.”

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said, “Micron is moving ahead in a thoughtful and collaborative way as it invests in Syracuse and Onondaga County. The company is working closely with New York State, local government and non-profits to prepare for all the needs and opportunities created by its commitment to build one of the world’s largest semiconductor fabrication plants in our community. Creating onsite child care will help our region address the shortfall we face in this critical area that impacts children, families and businesses. I thank Governor Hochul and Micron leadership for continuing to ensure we make the most of this historic opportunity.

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