AUSTIN (KXAN) — Right now in Austin, there are nearly 1,500 families stuck on a waiting list for child care services.

Thursday, there was a big push at City Hall get the proper funding to Austin families. The funding proposal passed Thursday night. The goal is to take care of children in low income families in Travis County, according to Brooke Son, the Senior Planner with Travis County Health and Human Services

More than 450 children were helped last year by this program. Now the Early Childhood Council is hoping to convince councilors and the mayor that more funding means more children and families can get help.

The Child Care Continuity Services is currently funded by Travis County. They provide childcare to children of low income parents who recently lost a job. Additionally, they help those currently looking for work after graduating from a workforce development program.

The Early Childhood Council is asking the City Council to dedicate $500,000 a year for the next five years. Officials claim an increase in funds could almost triple the number of families served.

After the recommendations are presented, the city manager will have to review it. Then the council will then decide if the proposal is something that can be worked into next year’s budget.