The ruling party is trying to funnel about 620 billion won ($545 million) from the state reserve fund to shore up dwindling resources for a childcare program, officials said Thursday.
The emergency measure comes as local governments complain they are running out of funds for an expanded program to provide free childcare services to all families with children up to 2-years-old, regardless of the parents' income level. The program was implemented this year.
Previously, only lower income families were eligible for the benefit.
"As the free infant childcare program is faced with a possible halt due to the lack of budget, we are going to resolve the problem by putting in reserve funds," an official of the Saenuri Party said. "The party and the government have already begun deliberations."
The party is concerned that unless the problem is resolved, it could have a negative effect on its chances in December's presidential election. In October of last year, the party lost a by-election for the Seoul mayoralty after it opposed a free school lunch program.
Officials estimate that about 800 billion won is needed to redress the problem, including some 620 billion won for local governments. They plan to get the government to use the state reserve fund to make up the shortfall.
The party's floor leader, Rep. Lee Hahn-koo, urged the government to act quickly on the issue.
"The government should repent for making things worse," he said during a meeting of the party's supreme council. "The government should realize the seriousness of this problem and look for a solution." (Yonhap)