There are everyday people whose lives are changing as a result of the state’s budget problems. We’re collecting stories of some of these people Caught in the Middle.

The state’s Child Care Assistance Program provides subsidies to low-income and working families for daycare. But it’s taken a hit during the impasse, causing some providers to turn away families and lay off staff. Yasmily Ponce, the owner of Little Lions Home Daycare, provides service for 12 children and more than half received subsidies. State payments have been slow, and the last one came in July. So far, Ponce has not turned any families away. She’s kept from doing that, and from laying off staff, by dipping into her own savings and retirement fund. WBEZ’s Susie An takes her child to the daycare. She spoke with Ponce for the series, Caught in the Middle.