Lawmakers are asking the state to postpone cuts in subsidies for preschool care while they look into possible options to help families.

But Department of Human Services Director Lillian Koller said if the cuts aren't made, the subsidy program will run out of money by February.

And that is a conservative projection, Koller said.

The proposed cuts to subsidies would in some cases mean parents having to pay four times what they now pay out of pocket for day care.

The subsidies help 7,792 low- to moderate-income families statewide afford day care for some 14,577 children.

In a letter to the governor on Nov. 24, lawmakers asked that the changes in subsidies not be made until May 2011.

"The proposed rule changes will significantly reduce taxpayer subsidies for preschool," said state Sen. Suzanne Chun Oakland, D-13th (Kalihi, Nu'uanu), and state Rep. John Mizuno, D-30th (Kamehameha Heights, Kalihi Valley, Fort Shafter), in their letter to the governor.

The lawmakers said the changes will leave some families with just two options:"remove their child from preschool or terminate their employment and return home" for their child.

A legislative briefing is set for tomorrow on the issue.

Koller will address lawmakers and affected families will also likely speak.

More than 70 people testified at a public hearing Nov. 23 on the cuts in subsidies, and many said they wouldn't be able to afford the increases.

Some families could have to pay upward of $450 more per month under the proposal or be forced to take their kids out of preschool.

The cuts are being sought as the state faces a worsening fiscal crisis, and as demand for the subsidies is up because of the economic downturn.

Child care providers say the increase in demand – coupled with budget restrictions – appears to be driving the subsidy change.

There is no date set for when the changes will go into effect.

SUBSIDIES BRIEFING

The state will explain the need for cuts to preschool subsidies at a briefing at 11:30 a.m. tomorrow in Room 329 of the state Capitol.

For more information, call 586-6050.