What was promised

Deliver universal pre-K and universal child care

What’s happened

Reaffirmed in the 2026 State of the State with a $1.7B increase. Sept 2, 2026: 402 districts adding Pre-K seats; state sets a first target — universal Pre-K for 4-year-olds by the 2028-29 school year. No target yet for universal child care under 4. Sept 10, 2026: NYC free 2-K opened for 2,000+ two-year-olds ($73M state start-up, growing to $425M by 2027).

Evidence

• First day of free 2-K: Hochul and Mamdani open the program for 2,000+ two-year-olds in Washington Heights; state says its $73M start-up money grows to $425M by 2027, Mamdani promises 12,000 more seats next year
  Governor's officeSep 10, 2026
• Hochul opens the school year with Pre-K seats in 402 districts and, for the first time, a date: statewide universal Pre-K for 4-year-olds by fall 2028
  Governor's officeSep 2, 2026
• First 2-K class: Hochul and Mamdani extend offers to 2,000+ children as applications hit 5,700+
  Governor's Office / NY1Aug 5, 2026

• First day of free 2-K: Hochul and Mamdani open the program for 2,000+ two-year-olds in Washington Heights; state says its $73M start-up money grows to $425M by 2027, Mamdani promises 12,000 more seats next year
  Governor's officeSep 10, 2026
• Hochul announces the first phase of a SUNY Brain Institute, a federated statewide neuroscience research network aimed at age-related brain disorders
  Governor's officeSep 10, 2026
• Hochul says she will propose holding SUNY and CUNY tuition flat in the next budget; state cites TAP eligibility raised to $125,000 income, 28% increase in operating support, and free community college for adult learners via Reconnect
  Mid Hudson NewsSep 10, 2026
• Hochul opens the school year with Pre-K seats in 402 districts and, for the first time, a date: statewide universal Pre-K for 4-year-olds by fall 2028
  Governor's officeSep 2, 2026