Topeka — Tracee Nelson, a single mother of three who works full-time as a nurse, doesn't even want to think about what would happen if the state pulled her child-care assistance.
"I make just enough to get by, but not enough to succeed, without this sort of assistance," said Nelson, whose daughter and two sons attend Children's Learning Center, 205 N. Mich.
But that assistance may be reduced for Nelson and thousands of low-income working Kansas families who face child-care expenses that in many instances surpass housing costs.
State welfare officials Thursday proposed reducing child-care subsidies in the face of a projected deficit that could reach $8.6 million within a year.
News of the possible reductions were criticized by state and local child-care officials.
Shelly Jaskiewicz, lead teacher at the Children's Learning Center, 205 N. Mich., plays with Eli Cohavi, 3, on Thursday afternoon. State welfare officials have proposed reducing child-care subsidies.
"It's going to hurt families," said Anna Jenny, executive director of the Douglas County Child Development Assn.
"They want them to work, but how do you work without child care?" Jenny said.
Federal funding flat
During the past fiscal year, the state allocated $63 million in child-care subsidies to help provide care for 18,761 children younger than 13.
That cost is expected to climb to $69.4 million in the current fiscal year and $73 million in the next. Meanwhile, federal funding that pays for the subsidies have remained essentially flat, officials said.
"The prognosis for increased funding is poor, and there is a strong likelihood of decreased mandatory spending," said Candy Shively, deputy secretary of the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services.
To keep providing help to the growing numbers of children receiving assistance, SRS has proposed limiting the number of hours paid for child care, increasing family co-pay fees and reducing the eligibility limit from 185 percent of the federal poverty level to 170 percent.
Currently, a parent with two children earning $2,480 per month - 185 percent of the federal poverty level - would be eligible for child-care assistance after paying a $243 per month co-pay. The average cost of child care for an infant in Douglas County is $764 per month.
"All these options outlined by SRS are going to affect vulnerable families," said Cindy D'ercole, with Kansas Action for Children.
Limited funds
Child-care advocates said they hoped the state would provide the extra funding needed to prevent the reductions, but state lawmakers appeared doubtful.
"Where do we get that funding?" said Rep. Willa DeCastro, R-Wichita. "There are lots of funding needs and only a certain amount of funding."
Shively said the availability of quality child care was important to help children develop, while secondarily pumping dollars into child-care businesses and underwriting employers who pay low wages.
Nelson, the Lawrence mother, said she believed the state and federal governments should step in and increase assistance. Without the assistance program, Nelson said she would be paying nearly $1,900 per month in child care during summer months.
"I would not be able to work," she said.
She and other child-care advocates predicted that cutting child-care subsidies in the long run would prove more costly to the state than maintaining the payments.
"Without child care, for many, the only alternative is not to work. Where would that leave the state?" Nelson asked.
Comments
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tell_it_like_it_is (anonymous) says…
Well its just one more sign as far as I' m concerned that we're headed right down the down the road to a recession/depression the likes of which most people alive today have never seen. WTF do they expect people to do then if they cut child care? Sit at home and draw welfare and pay out even more? I know this is on the state level..but it all trickles down from the top and Bush has our country in a fine mess.
punkrockmom (Nikki May) says…
Hey, Shelly's my bud from work! Now I need to leave to go pick on her! Shows how attentive I am, I didn't even know there was a photographer there. Or that they interviewed one of the parents from my room!
But, of course they are cutting, wouldn't want people to go to work!
Jane (anonymous) says…
Child support enforcement. That is how we reduce the amount of (any kind of) aid to single mothers. As for two income homes, the parents have to tough it out, they decided to have the kids, let them pay for their care. Get creative people--work differnt shifts, hire teenagers to sit, REDUCE your consumption of not necessary goods...just to name a few.
hottruckinmama (anonymous) says…
or maybe jane they'll just leave them with some drugged up flaked out boyfriend and he'll end up beating the hell out of them. republicans crack me up. you hate birth control. oppose abortion (which isn't bad..the oppostion to it) but then after the child is born you're ready to throw the kid to the wind if the parents can't for some reason take care of it. talk about some screwed up values.
Merry (anonymous) says…
I think it is a little presumptuous of you all to assume that there are multiple fathers. You have no idea what her story, and yet you are quick to judge and ridicule this woman in a public forum. Lets try to be a little more respectful of our fellow man.
trueninetiesgirl (anonymous) says…
oh great lets give these parent a even highier family fee, so daycares have to fight the parents tooth and nail to even get a twenty dollar family fee.what happens when the family fees are two hundred dollars? yep you guessed it you have to take them to court for you childcare money.no what they fall between the cracks and us tax payers have to pick up the slack.
GrammarHooker (anonymous) says…
After reading some of the comments this morning, I thought I should at least provide more information about my situation....you know, some of you think so highly of me.....
I am a divorced mother of three. I was married to the father of all three children when they were conceived. After our divorce five years ago, child support came sporadically, and then dropped off three years ago.
Child support enforcement is surely a possible cure for this funding problem. I was in court Monday the 8th. Again, my ex, Brandon Nelson, got yet another continuance for his contempt of court for failure to pay charges. This has been the case every time we head to court (usually every three to six months). When will the courts start allowing continuances for the parents that are left supporting children without help? We don't get three month intervals/breaks from our bills.
As to the suggestions of finding another job...I couldn't agree more. I've petitioned for a raise at my current employment and was given a nominal raise, however it is still not enough to support my family. Lawrence, as most of Kansas, is saturated with nurses..wages really aren't that great.
I welcome any other suggestions/ideas people have that could help effect change.
Tracee Nelson
trueninetiesgirl (anonymous) says…
boy do i understand about childsupport, my ex only had to pay 150.00 for three kids.that she aint much.most people get that for just one kid and i had three and one that was bord with cereveral palsey try finding good child care now and this was almost 16yrs now and all i see now is that the ones that really need help they are turned down but not work and get food stamps and the state is there to help but have a job now way they want to help .maybe we should all stop working look at all they money the state came up with for the homeless
raven (anonymous) says…
Perhaps the father of these children is no longer living. Did any of you think of that? No, you just jump to the conclusion that the woman is off sleeping around with several me and now has three kids to raise alone.
I know several people who were doing 'ok' when their husbands were alive, they were making ends meet and had some extra money as well. However, their husbands died and left these women as a single income family and all of a sudden, things a lot tougher.
I gaurantee you they all knew what 'causes' pregnancy. This board is so irritating, you all can sit here and judge without knowing any facts. Must be nice to be so much better and more knowledgable than the rest of the world.
italianprincess (anonymous) says…
Good morning everyone and how is everyone on this dreary rainy day?
I am a single mom raising two boys and also own an in home daycare here in Lawrence. I on vacation this week to get my boys ready for school ( you all know the drill...... ).
I chose to stay home and teach ( I have my masters in ECE ) after finding out the cost of child care for my little one when he was a baby. I didn't want assitance in helping with child care and its been nice to be able to be a work at home mom.
I don't get child support myself for either son, and just called California the other day to check on it. They have a possible lead on an employer for one and they can't seem to locate the other. The funny thing here is they asked me if I knew of a lead. If I did know would that have helped. They want the parent to do their job for them with locating and info. Child support needs to be enforced more and make these parents pay.
I haven't recieved child support for either in so long I don't even consider it income anymore. I say it like this......Child support is not income for me, but when it comes it in. Does that make any sense to any of you? We are okay here, but do struggle at times like some do.
All the kids here at my house I watch are all on state assitance when it comes to their child care. All the moms work and make fairly good money at their jobs. Child care is expensive and these moms have their share to pay also. I have one parent whos ex-husband pays child support while the others seem to get away with it. I even had a single dad once whos ex-wife didn't pay support for their two children. Its just not the dads who are deadbeats.
LJWorld came out to my house a couple of years ago and did an article on the cuts with a couple of single moms. Maybe I should call them again and have them come back to do another.
These moms and dads who have assitance with their child care are hard working people like anyone else. They pay bills and take care of their children, they just need that assitance with keeping them safe until they get home from work.
GrammarHooker (anonymous) says…
Offtotheright....
Yes, I've considered moving out of Lawrence and into a more affordable area.
My question in regards to this is why does my exhusband get to live here, jobless, and with his newest child, while I have to uproot my family from the only home they've known due to his lack of responsibility and accountability?
raven (anonymous) says…
Tracee: I commend you, you are obviously a hard worker and trying to do the best you can for your family. Don't listen to the people on this board-they think they know more than anyone else and most have never been in your position.
It is so easy for people to look down and talk down on others, when you are in that position things look a lot different.
GrammarHooker (anonymous) says…
Offtotheright....
I agree with most of what you're saying. It's unfortunate that accountability and responsibility from Brandon isn't in your arsenal of advise.
For the record, I receive nothing else from the state but the child care assistance.
I have been "getting things done" for five years now. It's time now that the courts went after Mr. Nelson for his portion.
raven (anonymous) says…
Well, OTTR I personally do not feel sorry for myself. I do not have a husband or a child and right now I do ok financially. However, I understand how quickly things can change. It is not always about working harder. Also, I am not going to keep commenting on this woman's life, what she does is her business and I think she is a strong dedicated mother. You can think what you want, it does not affect me at all. But, just remember you don't know her life, her struggles or her financial situation. So sit here and judge, give advice...
jg (anonymous) says…
So people who can't afford more kids should just have no more sex for the rest of their fertile years? Show of hands for anyone willing to do that. It seems many people throwing stones don't think women should use birth control (and birth control is never 100% effective) or heaven forbid abortion.
Why don't people knock these MEN for having sex with women when they don't want to support kids!?She didn't knock herself up you know.
This women could easily have been married to one man, using birth control and still ended up a single mother with three kids. Yes, the father(s) should be helping with child support, but if they leave the state or play the system there is only so much she can do.
italianprincess (anonymous) says…
The ones beating, running from, etc the system to avoid paying child support know how to play the game here.
There should be a way to make them pay. Maybe the president if hes not to busy raising our gas prices could ( LOL ) come up with some alternative to help out here. Maybe give them ( dead beat moms and dads here ) a time limit as to find a job and pay. Six months sounds good to me or make the ones that are young enough ( is there an age limit ? ) enlist in the military or reserves. I'm not one for joining, but possibly scaring them will make them get off their lazy @$$es and get a job. Just a thought of one possible way to conquer this problem. Anyone have any other ideas on how to handle this situation.
Its not only single moms, its married people whos ex-spouces don't pay. Its the children who get hurt the most from this, not just the parent who is the bread winner. I feel for these moms ( I'm one of them ) who don't recieve child support and it sucks.
If these moms and dads who work their @$$es off recieve help with daycare costs I don't see a problem with that. They are working hard to support their family the best they can. If the state has a problem with it, then they should be the ones to go after these parents who don't pay and do something about it.
Why punish these hard working single parents for working and taking care of their children. They are working and most likely struggling at times. They could be like othes and not work, collect cash, food stamps and not give a cr@p about their children.
Jester (Nick Spacek) says…
Wow. Have any of you ever had to struggle with no support system? Is it possible for you to conceive of a situation where you might not be able to pack up your kids and move them?
And congratulations for immediately blaming the woman. It's nice to know that the man to whom she was married bears no responsibility for this.
It seems that the popular thread here is for someone who's going through hard times is to "suck it up and deal with it", along with "I don't want to have my tax dollars support children."
Did you all go to private school? Or a non-state or city collegiate institution? If so, you owe my grandparents money for the education you received.
blonde (anonymous) says…
I completely uderstand where this women is coming from and some of you need to just back off. Do you not relize that she is paying taxes to. Just think she didn't ask to be in the position that she is in but she is, she is at least working and she is only getting help with child care, which I might add does not pay for all of the daycare it pays for what will be afforable. And at least she is raising her kids, and not just sitting on her but all day. Daycare is exspensive anywhere that you go, so if you think that she should pack up her kids and make them leave the only home that they have ever know that is crap. If she moves and has to drive to work the way that gas prices are she would be better just staying where she is. The money that the state has is for the purpose of helping kids have you ever heard the phrase "no child left behind"?
onehotmomma (anonymous) says…
As a widow and single Mom who receives Survivors Benefits for my child, I would like offtotheright explain to me how HIS tax dollars are trickling down to us. My deceased husband worked for 22 years and paid into the Social Security System, my daughter receives benefits from his contribution base (75% of what he would be eligible to receive if he could have retired at the time time of his death) I, as the Mom, receive absolutely no benefits from Social Security.
I find it quite insulting that you imply that anyone with minor children of deceased workers are receiving some sort of welfare because BOTH parents are not raising the children.
How come the common thread in this attack is the fact that a full time employed parent can't afford full time daycare for their children and not the fact that full time daycare is outrageously priced?
GrammarHooker (anonymous) says…
Thank you, Offtotheright, for your wishes of luck. With a little of that, some prayer, and perseverance, the kids and I will come out on top.
nlf78 (anonymous) says…
macon - I certainly hope you don't have kids with that attitude. I have a daughter and both parents work and we make too much for SRS to assist us with daycare. It doesn't matter that we spend more for daycare than we do for housing. And the fact that we can't live off of one income. We make it work, even though it's really hard.
Regarding child support enforcement - too many deadbeats are out there, working for cash under the table or changing jobs every 5 minutes. If you have the balls to make the kids - you need to pay for them. That's a sore spot with me. My father only in 16 years paid one child support payment of $200. He kept moving or changing jobs or working under the table!
Oh - my mother died when I was 14. I did not live with my father and my grandmother raised me from that point on. I also received survivor benefits. It was again 75% of what my mother worked to receive when she retired. I didn't feel bad at all for having that help raising me as a teenager.
Kookamooka (MJ Browne) says…
Macon,
Not to gross you out or anything but YOU are someone's "crotch fruit". Consider the circumstances your mother went through trying to raise you before you chastize someone else.
Douglas County received a D- on the child care report card due to the lack of child care options available.
cjs (anonymous) says…
I've just read all the comments regarding Tracee and her situation. . .I must say I am absolutely appauled by some of your narrow minded attitudes and sincerely appreciate those who have encouraged her to trudge on. I know Tracee personally and have for over 30 years. I hope the following information will further assistance you in drawing a more positive judgement (I pity those of you who are so negative.) Further, I feel certain Tracee will not be offended by divulging additional facts regarding her need for assistance. . .
1.) When Tracee married her husband of seven (7) years it was forever - on her part anyway.
2.) She and her "husband" planned each of their children carefully and planned for financial accommodations for each of them. These plans fell through when her "husband" walked out on her and her children, with no warning, no explanation and no support. (Not to mention the devastation that ensued following his departure after wrecking her family vehicle and leaving her afoot.)
3.) Tracee was a stay-at-home mom operating a day care herself only to struggle for payment from parents who utilized her services and never seemed to think they owed anything for them.
4.) Following the departure of the "sperm donor", Tracee enrolled in nursing school at night in order to better herself and to provide a better life for her family.
cjs (anonymous) says…
5.) Not only did Tracee graduate but she did it with honors all the while caring for her three children, five day care children, teaching Sunday school classes each and every Sunday and Wednesday nights, she graduated with academic honors.(All the while she dealt with the harrassment, false child abuse claims filed by the "sperm donor",harrassment from her former in-laws, comforting three children who didn't understand why their "father" never called or came to see them, etc.
5.) Tracee has considered moving, etc. however, she has to give 30 days written notice to the "loser" who will, miraculously, obtain the funds to file a lawsuit against her trying to place a stay on her place of residence.
I know as a matter of fact, Tracee has put every ounce of energy she can muster into the care, health and support of her children, spiritually, academically and medically.
Now I have a question for you all. . .you tell me how it is that "the sperm donor" has NEVER had to answer to ANYONE or AGENCY for his irresponsibility as a parent, his contempt of court for nonsupport, his continual harrassment, dishonesty when he does appear in court and why society and the Kansas court system allows him to purchase his clothes at THE GAP, remain unemployed, father additional children he cannot support and not suffer any consequences?
I realize that my opinion and the aforementioned facts will not sway those of you with "tunnel vision", however, something that you all need to consider is, Tracee does NOT want to be a part of the welfare system and has taken measures to not to be and I truly believe she will eventually remove herself from the failing Kansas State SRS system as quickly as is humanly possible. She has overcome gargantuous hurdles and will continue to do so. . .with the support of her friends and family.
How,in the first place, an article regarding the reduction of child care assistance to struggling parents has become a personal attack on an obviously responsible and hardworking young woman and mother is beyond me.
As for me, I'll gladly give my blessings to Tracee and all who have been left to care for their beloved children and deal with the aftermath that trails anytime a family is divided. Draw the funds from my tax dollars freely and with my blessings. I would much rather assist those that are trying to better themselves than those who are drawing so freely from the system and contributing to their broad behinds. . .and leaves the care of their children to the school systems and anyone else who gives a damn about the helpless children they have produced.
punkrockmom (Nikki May) says…
Tracee, I KNOW you have done great with your children. As I love them all dearly, especially that littlest one that's in my room now. I have no knowledge of any of the family history, but those children are obviously loved.
What really pains me is that all the years I've worked in child care for many years now and have watched people struggle with the system. Not just Tracee, but many people. The way the child care assitance works is that it only pays if you are working, not going to school. While you are on this funding, you answer to the local SRS. There is a sliding scale on how much you pay. Someone who has a maximum family fee may be paying as much as they can. Then, they get a dime raise and they are paying about 3 times as much because they lose their funding. That's true at in home daycares too.
People like Tracee are not out goofing off while the "taxpayer" is paying. She's at work as are most of these parents.
Now, don't get me wrong, there are people out there screwing the system. I look at one family and want to scream. They are on a very small family fee, have a vision card, and have housing assistance. They drive a brand new car and just got back from their yearly vacation. This year was Hawaii.
I think that the welfare system is a good thing and it doesn't need it's funds cut, it needs it's funds monitored more appropriately.
socialworker (anonymous) says…
I would like to make a comment as an individual that not only has extensive professional knowledge of the system in Kansas and at the federal level but, I also am very knowledgeable about Children's Learning Center and the great program it offers for children and families in the Lawrence area.
As an advocate for children and families, I would like to ask one thing regarding some of the other comments about this article. Does our society completely lack compassion and empathy for others? Those of you that are so critical of people in need of a little assistance should be ashamed of yourselves. When did our society become so uncaring and unsympathetic? Of course these mothers need to continue receiving assistance for childcare, it's not like they are sitting around doing nothing. Most of these mothers are hard-working mothers that have a right to expect quality childcare to be provided for their children. Anyone facing hardships, in this case needing a little help paying childcare fees, should never be blamed and have the right to have support from their community. These mothers are doing the best they can with what they have, which is the most that should be expected of them. They should not have to adjust things around that will negatively affect their lives and their children's lives just so our society can avoid helping them out.
It also should not matter how she became a single mom. We should not be more accepting of certain kinds of single moms. We should not be less accepting of a mother that is divorced over a mother that was widowed. Divorces happen, we need to accept this fact and stop blaming, judging, and criticizing people because they are divorced. Divorces are often unavoidable due to life events.
I am appalled by the lack of support this forum is providing for these families. I completely agree with the saying "It takes a village to raise a child." This saying emphasizes the importance of positive influence and support from the community for a child to develop into a well-adjusted, caring adult. The children are our future; why would we want to do anything that could possibly jeopardize a child's chance of succeeding?
For those that are so critical of others needing help or assistance, I can guarantee that your whole point of view will change if you ever experience some type of hardship that requires you to rely or be in need of the help or assistance of others.
socialworker (anonymous) says…
I would like to add that I agree, some people do know how to abuse the system, which I find very upsetting because they are taking away from the limited funds we have to provide to people that really are in need.
In this mother's case it is apparent that she is not abusing the system and has a right to have the assistance she is receiving. She is a hard working mother and is doing well raising her three children.
GrammarHooker (anonymous) says…
I had no idea that lending my opinion and details of my situations would have created such a backlash. Thank you to all who have encouraged and supported me.
recycler (anonymous) says…
It takes a village. Let's not forget that.
amp93 (anonymous) says…
Tracee - I'm sure you do not want someone airing any of your dirty laundry regarding your children or your lifestyle in an open forum for the entire community to see. I do not know you or your ex however I'm quite certain there are two sides to every story. Do they visit him quite often throughout the week? Does he take them anytime you have a "function" to go to? To voice your concern about child care and tax dollars is one thing and if he was truly a bad father then okay. But is he a bad father? Perhaps he is down on his luck just as you are. If he is a loving father don't you think he would give his kids the world if he could. I'm not saying that not paying child support is okay but how unfair to share some of the story but not all. I also have a child and no matter what happens between the father and I, I would never have my daughter know that I refer to her father as "the sperm donor" as he is still a big part of her life.
GrammarHooker (anonymous) says…
Funny....I don't recall using the term "sperm donor."
Are you sure you don't know one of us?
crazyks (anonymous) says…
I looked online, and the average salary for registered nurses in Lawrence, Ks, is $21 an hour...the lowest salary quoted was $17 and hour, the highest $25 an hour.
I wish I made that much...
It could be different for LPNs...didn't look that up.
How can you make even $17 an hour and be eligible for assistance?
GrammarHooker (anonymous) says…
Firstly, not that it's anyone's business, but I made $14.00/hour when I was working in Lawrence.
And, yes, I've moved. I seemed to be beating a dead horse living in that community. Truth is, without child support, I'll be beating that same dead horse no matter where I go....
It's nice to see that the spirit of judgement continues to run so high for you all.
crazyks (anonymous) says…
If you are receiving assistance in any form, based on your income, then it certainly IS my business.
You made $14 an hour? What the hell are you making now? Why can't you make it on $14 an hour? I earn a lot less than that!
When I first started working this job I was making $6.50 an hour. I made $14 a month too much to be eligible for food stamps or medicaid.
How do you stay eligible for assistance when you're making at least $14 an hour??
GrammarHooker (anonymous) says…
Childcare assistance was all I recieved. Without it, my monthly bill would've been $1900 a month--I didn't even make that much after taxes and the required KPERS withholding.
How can I not make it? Three kids, one income, no luxuries and no child support. That's it in a nutshell.
RockChalkJhk (anonymous) says…
Scroll to the bottom of any seemingly controversial LJW article and you will find comments by the same trolls, such as "Off To The Right." It's unfortunate that these people are so opinionated about what should become of tax dollars when they obviously do not work. Come on people, how can you tell me that you have time to work and comment to every newspaper article? Perhaps the trolls should click on classifieds and find occupations. I would much rather see the tax dollars I contribute go to families than a war I do not support.
Tracee, I struggle to survive on $11 per hour with no children to speak of. The fact that you supported three children on only three dollars more per hour speaks volumes. You have shown your children compassion while giving them a safe, caring and educational home. Ignore the odious trolls and continue moving into the sun......
johnson17 (anonymous) says…
I would be interested to hear an update on this story. How are Tracee and her children? Did she ever move out of Lawrence? Is she now getting child support from the father? What's the deal with him? Does he have more children? Did he marry or just having children out of wedlock? Is he now visiting the kids?
I think this is too often a common story and was just curious to see how they are all doing now.