Funding for child-care subsidies for low-income families in New York state is increasing.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo has announced $794 million for child-care subsidies this fiscal year. That’s an increase of $55 million over last year. It’s the first big increase in five years.

Last fiscal year, some 223,000 children in the state received subsidies. Eligibility is based on the income and size of a family.

Cuomo says the assistance helps working parents hold down a job while affording care for their children.

Lawmakers approved the increase earlier this year as they crafted the state budget.

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver calls the subsidies an investment in the state’s future.

(AP)