I read a recent letter to the editor and the writer stated that people who have children should pay for their own child care costs, taxpayers should not (“Don’t subsidize child care costs,” Our Readers’ Views, Dec. 24). I used to feel the same way. We did not have children; however, we provided care for our two nieces. Their mom is single. I believe our help provided important care as mom was sick or had to go away for work. I now believe that, as we build low-income housing, those buildings should include government-funded child care centers.
Costs today for rent, food, transportation, health care and other day-to-day items are high. If we want to help people pull themselves up by their bootstraps, a critical component is access to child care. I realize state, county and city budgets are under strain and not all solutions will be prioritized. I think people living in low-income housing can move up. Help with child care may be a solution that should be prioritized.
