I am currently a full-time student at Illinois State University and a part-time employee at a local daycare center. My children attend the center at which I work.

How is all of this financially possible considering the weekly rate for just one of my children is almost $200? I receive help through Child Care Resource and Referral Network. The problem is, the recent Illinois budget cuts are threatening to cancel childcare cases statewide.

I think what is not understood is that this assistance is needed. This will hurt the economy all the way around. Parents cannot afford to send their children to daycare without assistance; therefore, parents cannot work without it. That means parents will begin to depend solely on the state of Illinois for assistance and will not be able to put money back into the economy, not to mention students with children will not be able to attend school.

It will also affect those who are employed by daycare centers.

I am studying to become an English teacher to help future students. I am at risk for losing that chance to make a difference.

It needs to be understood that in several cases, it is absolutely necessary to have this assistance.

Kymberly Ellis

Normal