Fresno councilmember proposes child care pilot program amid budget shortfall

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A new proposal at Fresno City Hall on Monday aims to address child care needs by directing city funding to providers and families.

Council Vice President Tyler Maxwell is proposing a pilot program to help bridge gaps in access to subsidized child care.

"While we know there are tens of thousands of children across Fresno needing subsidized child care due to income status, there exists only enough resources and slots to accommodate less than 10% of these children," Maxwell said.

The pilot program would split funds between grants for child care providers to expand services and scholarships for parents.

"I don't think government is ever the solution to any problem, but I believe government can be part of the solution," Maxwell said during a later council meeting.

Maxwell is proposing $3.5 million to launch the pilot program, despite budget constraints at City Hall.

"We did come into the budget process with about a $34.5 million shortfall," Mayor Jerry Dyer said on Monday.

Maxwell said he believes funding can be identified without cutting other priorities.

"I don't think that we're going to have to sacrifice anything. I think we could look at untapped dollars that are tucked away," Maxwell said.

The proposal comes one month after Gov. Gavin Newsom announced "Golden State Start," a program that will provide some newborns with 400 diapers at no cost.

"Leading Republican candidate for governor, Steve Hilton, told an audience in Clovis a few weeks ago that he would do away with that program. Where do you stand on that program?" Action News asked Maxwell.

"I'm all for getting resources to our working families that they require," Maxwell said.

The pilot program remains months away, with City Council members expected to vote on budget motions next week.

"We'd be working in conjunction with First Five of Fresno County," Maxwell said.

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