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Economy

Brown Budget Cuts Won't Affect Child Care Program

California’s Assembly Speaker says he’s found a way to prevent major cuts to state-funded child care.

Democratic Assembly Speaker John Perez said officials have pieced together $60 million in unspent funds. The money will maintain state subsidies for what’s known as stage 3 child care. The program serves more than 50,000 children whose parents who are transitioning from welfare to work.

Former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed funding for the program last year. Since then Democratic lawmakers have taken a series of steps to keep it going – including shifting money from the Assembly’s budget and from California First five commissions. Governor Jerry Brown’s budget includes funding for the program, starting in April.