BEREA -- Child care advocates say that Gov. John Kasich's budget proposal hurts those least able to afford it.

Kasich wants to cut the number of working poor that are receiving daycare subsidies.

The child care subsidy helps Ohio families living barely above poverty level. They get money to pay for child care while they work or go to college so they can get back on their own feet.

Desiree Phillips has used the child care voucher program for two of her children while she works full-time in the bankruptcy department of a local bank.

Phillips just got a raise at work. It's not enough to cover the cost of daycare, but it might eliminate her child care supplement. The children go to Family Life Daycare of Berea.

The Director says this is typical among those receiving benefits.

"Many families have had to turn down a raise or promotion that would put them over that guideline and cut them out of the voucher," Director Julie Piazza-King said.

Helping Ohio's poor get back in the working world is the goal of the voucher program. Advocates say the real cost of cutting it is a greater burden on the taxpayers -- not less.

Kasich's proposal promises to extend benefits to those currently enrolled in the program.

Each year, recipients must verify their income. The daycare director is concerned the new guidelines would still eliminate those clients despite the governor's pledge.

WKYC-TV

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