The stalemate over the state budget is forcing local daycare providers to pay the price.

Eyewitness News has received numerous calls and emails on our tipline from daycare providers saying they were shorted by the state.

We discovered the state is refusing to reimburse providers for taking care of low-income children until state lawmakers can workout a budget compromise which is almost two months past due.

"I don't feel it's necessary," said Pam Pixton who runs a daycare facility out of her home in northeast Bakersfield.

Pixton said she was shorted about $1,000 this month and doesn't know how she'll cover her bills.

"I think they got personal issues going on here -- Democrats versus Republicans," she added.

Eyewitness News called all of Kern County's state lawmakers for comment on the issue.

Over the phone, Sen. Roy Ashburn (R-Bakersfield) said, "It is absolutely wrong that the legislature has prolonged the budget debate."

In a statement, Republican Assemblywoman Jean Fuller said, "I continue to be willing to work with my Republican and Democrat colleagues to reach agreement on a budget."

As of Monday evening, Sen. Dean Florez (D-Shafter) and Assemblywoman Nicole Parra (D-Hanford) had not returned phone calls from Eyewitness News.