EXCERPT FROM: WGRZ.com
By Josh Boose
BUFFALO, NY - 2 On Your Side received quite a few calls and e-mails to our tipline after the state cut $10 million in child care funding for low income families in Erie County.
The cuts could actually create more dependence on an already overburdened unemployment system.
Parents and grandparents stood up one by one Wednesday night.
"What are these families and parents supposed to do?," said Barbara Chesley, a grandmother.
They say it's the kids who will suffer after a change in daycare funding for low income families that would cut-off about 1,500 kids in Erie County by next week.
"These are going to be our government officials, these children are our future," said Theresa Sanders, the owner of a local daycare center.
Erie County says it didn't get the money from the state it needed to pay for the program so it raised the requirements of who could and couldn't receive it.
"They can find money for big staff jobs, and they can find money for roads and bridges," said Erie County Legislator Lynn Marinelli.
Erie County Social Services Commissioner Carol Dankert says they can't cut anywhere else. And if they paid for the program as it stands now it would require a $10 million property tax hike.
"To the people that then say, what are we supposed to do we really rely on this service, what do you say?" 2 On Your Side's Josh Boose asked Dankert.
"I unfortunately don't have a perfect solution to this," she replied. "I think what we all have to do is advocate to our officials to see if we can get more funds to come to Erie County."
But that won't happen until the state budget is approved, at least two months away.
Sherine Weaver, a mother of two, says if she doesn't get help with daycare costs she'll have to quit her job.
"I would have to pay $300 a week for daycare and I make $350 a week," said Weaver. And it would leave me with $50 a week."
Weaver told the panel at Wednesday's meeting, she wants to work.