Citing the need for reliable child care by New York working families, the state Assembly leader and several Democratic lawmakers are advocating more subsidies for care and paid family leave.

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver says recent talks with advocates and others statewide show limited access to safe, reliable care for children is “the single largest obstacle” for many parents, particularly mothers, in keeping jobs.

He says the Assembly’s Democratic majority is committed to changing that.

The working group includes Assembly members Catherine Nolan, Carl Heastie, Michele Titus, Aileen Gunther, Donna Lupardo and Addie Russell.

Several chair key Assembly committees.

Their proposals include better administration of state child care benefits, engaging businesses for public/private investment and ensuring New York’s economic development policy contains a commitment to quality child care.

(AP)