By Dave Dahl/Illinois Radio Network
SPRINGFIELD – For the first time in a long time, state lawmakers will be in Springfield Oct. 20 and could address changes to a child care subsidy which has made many of its participants ineligible.
The Child Care Assistance Program, or C-CAP, has gotten a lot of attention at the Capitol this year, because of a seemingly endless parade of rallies and hearings intended to let Gov. Bruce Rauner’s administration know what the effects are of the cuts.
They say it’s ironic that a program designed to help lower-income parents get schooling and/or work to lift them out of poverty would end for those very people, thus pushing them farther into poverty.
“It is not right that corporations continue to get all the breaks,” said Adriene Jones, a Springfield-area day care provider, “and, yet, a working mother with a sick kid and two other children is made to pay the price. I will continue to provide a high level of care for the kids that have become like my own family. I think Gov. Rauner owes it to them and their parents to treat them with the same care, respect, and dignity that he gives to his fellow millionaires.”
“I pray that lawmakers will stand up for families like mine,” said Galesburg mom Chante Morrison, “and roll back Gov. Rauner’s rule changes.”
The House and Senate are back in session Oct. 20.
