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<\/p>\nAs Fresno\u2019s budget hearings started on Monday, Councilmember Tyler Maxwell is proposing a taxpayer-funded program to take care of the city\u2019s children.<\/p>\n
Maxwell proposed $3.5 million to create a child care pilot program. He believes the money is available in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget.<\/p>\n
He likened investing in child care to the city\u2019s missions on ending homelessness, poverty and crime. He estimates child care could cost up to $23,000 per child and 28% of the household income, calling it \u201cuntenable.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is with a heavy heart that I say that the state of child care in the city of Fresno is nothing short of disastrous,\u201d Maxwell said.<\/p>\n
Maxwell said the city would work with nonprofit First 5 Fresno County. One idea is to provide grants to help child care providers with operation costs, and scholarships for families for child care costs. Recipients would be limited to city residents and businesses.<\/p>\n
How does Maxwell plan to find millions in the budget? He does not believe anything has to be sacrificed.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re going to look at any and all options that will not have a negative impact on the day-to-day functioning and employment of the city of Fresno. So we\u2019re going to look at things like personal council budgets. We\u2019re going to look at things like Measure P,. We\u2019re going to look at grants that are specifically targeted towards homeless individuals,\u201d Maxwell said.<\/p>\n
Measure P is the city sales tax for parks and related programs, such as youth programs. Maxwell believes the way the measure was written, child care costs are covered.<\/p>\n
Maxwell said publicly-funded child care is not a progressive idea. He mentioned several programs he\u2019s supported including free bus rides for students, taxpayer-funded attorneys for those fighting illegal evictions, and taxpayer-funded attorneys to combat wage theft.<\/p>\n
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Fresno City Councilmember Tyler Maxwell proposes spending millions in city dollars for a child care pilot program.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is all just a joint effort to tackle some of the same issues from different fronts, to make sure that our working families have the resources they need, and to ensure that Fresno continues to be the best place in California to raise a family,\u201d Maxwell said.<\/p>\n
Maxwell also proposed a city commission on family affordability and childcare access \u2014 consisting of three councilmembers and six childcare experts. The commission would look at long-term solutions, Maxwell said.<\/p>\n
Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer said he supported the formation of the commission, which passed by a unanimous 7-0 vote.<\/p>\n
As for the spending, other councilmembers were more skeptical. Annalisa Perea said she supports funding child care, but not raising taxes to do so. Nick Richardson said he wants to wait for a commission recommendation before allocating money. Miguel Arias indicated he wants income restrictions. He also doubted Measure P could be used for child care.<\/p>\n
Budget Day 1<\/p>\n
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