Child care centers look to battle proposed state budget cuts

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The Missouri House Budget Committee proposed a budget cut of $51 million in Child Care Subsidies.

Several child care centers, like the Bartlett Center and Interserv Early Care and Education, would be affected by the budget cuts, should they go through.

"It was kind of a shock that they were gonna cut this money out," said Lea Parker, Interserv's director of programming. "One of the things that Governor Kehoe has really stood on in his term is supporting child care."

The budget cuts have been proposed during a time when many child care centers are struggling.

"If anyone knows anything about the child care issue in the state, these last two to three years have been a struggle," said LaTonya Williams, executive director of the Bartlett Center. "Now this feels like a kick in the chest."

Many individuals involved with these care centers are encouraging people to reach out to the state to share their dissatisfaction with the proposed budget cuts.

"You can send letters to legislators and let them know what kind of impact this is gonna have on our families, our communities and our programs," Parker said.

"I need the community's help in letting everybody know, your elected officials, everybody know, childcare is not a luxury, it's a necessity," Williams said.

The budget cuts are being moved through the Missouri House and will advance to the Senate if approved.