It calls for the state and local authorities to equally share the burden. How could policymakers devise such a burden-sharing formula unilaterally without taking into account the fiscal constraints provinces and municipalities face? Disappointingly, the central government has pushed the program too recklessly and irresponsibly.

President Lee and his policymakers should pay heed to a warning that local autonomy units’ childcare outlays might dry up as early as June or July. If the warning becomes a reality, child-raising support can get nowhere. There is no doubt that ignoring fiscal sustainability will only lead to the failure of the welfare program. Thus, it is urgent to find how to underwrite it.