PHOENIX -- The Arizona State Capitol served as a battleground Tuesday over child care.
Parents, teachers and administrators held a rally, protesting proposed license fee increases.
Though no decision was made, people who attended the rally and public hearing that followed got the chance to sound off and voice their opinions about the state's proposed fee increase.
Because of the state budget crunch, the
Department of Health Services announced last month that it is planning to shift the cost of regulating the industry to the industry itself with higher licensing fees.
That means the largest daycare centers would see their fees go from $150 for three years to over $13,000.
"I understand the increase but they need to give us some notice," said daycare owner Christine Jones.
Many daycare owners say they will have to raise prices sharply or shut down altogether. Either way leaves parents in a pinch.
"I will have to pull my kids out," said parent Chris Cain. "I won't be able to afford it."
But parents and daycare owners did get a chance to speak out Tuesday.
A protest rally was held at 4 p.m. at the capitol building. It was followed by a public hearing held by DHS to discuss the fee increases.
