§ 189-44. Legislative intent.

A. 

This Legislature hereby finds and determines that extensive testimony at legislative hearings has established that many child-care providers do not receive prompt payment from the County of Suffolk for services rendered and, in fact, often receive payment many months after they submit vouchers/invoices to the Department of Social Services.

B. 

This Legislature further finds that the County's failure to make timely payments to child-care providers is particularly troubling, as it threatens the very existence of agencies that deliver a vital service to Suffolk County families.

C. 

This Legislature also determines that Suffolk County government, like any other person or entity, has an obligation to pay its debts in a reasonably timely manner and the failure to do so is morally indefensible.

D. 

This Legislature further finds and determines that, pursuant to New York General Municipal Law, all contracts made or awarded by state political subdivisions for public works projects must provide for prompt payment to contractors. This Legislature believes this policy should be extended to child-care providers.

E. 

Therefore, the purpose of this article is to establish a policy to pay County child-care providers in a prompt manner.