New report says cost of child care harder for families to manage

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A child advocacy organization in the region has released a new report that found seven out of 10 families are getting deeper underwater because of the costs of raising children. 

According to Public Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY), Philadelphia families that earn $75,000 annually have barely anything left over after covering the basics.

Northeast Philadelphia resident Melisa Blatz is a mother of four. She broke down some of the expenses of raising her family. 

"Once we pay for everything — education, housing, our bills, all of the things that are necessary — we are left with $42 a week," Blatz explained. "Then you factor in I have a child who is hearing-impaired and when we go to his doctor's visits, that's a $30 co-pay right there."

Blatz is an educator who receives a discount on child care. She said she had to be practical with her choice of field.

"As an educator, the wages are not as high as other industries, especially in the early childhood field," she added. "In order for me to go to work, I have to work in child care so my children will have a quality, safe place to attend and learn."

Rachel Honore of West Philadelphia also said child care is expensive.

"It just becomes a continuous struggle, so you are robbing Peter to pay Paul," said Honore. "Should I eat or should my child receive child care? Should I send him to the sitter's or should I send him to a child care center that's offering that type of quality care or not?"

Donna Cooper, executive director of PCCY, said families need more income in their homes.

"The government needs to step forward and make child care much more affordable so that the biggest household expense is relieved for people raising children, or we need to get serious about raising income," Cooper said. "You can do it by boosting the minimum wage significantly. You can do it by giving people tax forgiveness."