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OREGON IS ELIMINATING THE PROGRAM THAT ENABLES PARENTS TO PROVIDE FOR THEIR FAMILIES.

The state of Oregon is planning to eradicate the Employee Related Daycare (ERDC) program that enables thousands of parents to work.  ERDC ensures that children are in nurturing environments while parents are at work.  State budget cuts are set to eliminate funding for the program for half of the families currently in the program. This will affect an estimated TEN THOUSAND children and prevent thousands of parents from working or providing adequate care for their children.  Daycare providers and childcare employees will also be affected.

Parents who no longer have the resources for sufficient daycare may be forced to put their children in sub-standard environments where the risk of abuse and neglect is high.  Many parents will be forced to quit work and go on welfare, further burdening the exhausted funds of the Oregon budget.

I am a 35 year old single mother who has received ERDC subsidies that have enabled me to work full-time since my child was 2.  We have been self-sufficient due to this program.  My daughter has thrived in her daycare environment.

I want to make sure that Oregonians are aware that while our state funds for roads, parks, and unemployment benefits are abundant, many families be in a crisis situation on January 1, 2011. 

PLEASE let this issue be known.  I, and many others, are willing to discuss the issue freely.

posted 1 year, 9 months ago
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