State Assembly Speaker John Perez, D-Los Angeles, announced $40 million has been identified to fund the cal works child care program.
About $34 million came from the First 5 Commission and $6 million more came from the assembly, through cuts in its operating budget. The funds will act as a bridge until full funding can be restored, possibly next year.
The Cal Works Child Care Program provides subsidized child care to 81,000 California children whose parents have transitioned off welfare and into the workforce.
Gov. Schwarzenegger cut funding for the program last month, saying the state needed the money for its reserve fund.