EXCERPT FROM: The News Press & St. Joe Now
BY Kristin Hoppa
It’s no secret that the state of Missouri has faced continued budget problems over the past few months.
While much of the concern has been centered on cuts to elementary and secondary education, child-care providers are worried that they may not escape the budget ax as the session continues.
“We are kind of robbing Peter to pay Paul,” said Carrie Shapton, policy and outreach coordinator for Partnership for Children. “The more cuts we go through, the more we will be led to an economic recession.”
Since Rep. Allen Icet’s proposed amendment to cut the assistance program was never offered, child-care services will not be cut. However, those services are still in jeopardy.
“We have saved the program for now,” said Jeremy LaFaver, director of public policy for Partnership for Children. “We are still short $4.4 million in the program that would allow Missouri to keep $38.7 million in federal recovery spending.”
If the state Senate does not vote to restore the $38.7 million in federal recovery spending, 3,500 working parents statewide could lose their day-care options, and improvements would not be made in child-care facilities.
“This will force parents to quit their jobs and stay home to take care of their children,” Mr. LaFaver said. “Or it will require them to place their children in less safe, less quality services for child care.”
Several area organizations believe it is vital for the well-being of the community to have adequate, quality day care.
“Research shows that children who do not receive
adequate childhood care go on to never complete higher education ...,” said Bobbie Cronk, director of children’s initiatives at the United Way of Greater St. Joseph.
“If we cut funding, we are forcing parents to quit their jobs and cause them to fall farther into poverty, or force parents to rely on inadequate care.”