Pennsylvania
Updated June 2, 2008
State Budget Proposal for Early Care and Education
In early 2008, Governor Ed Rendell announced his FY09 budget proposal for Pennsylvania.
For early education and care, the budget proposal includes:
•$48.8 million for child care quality improvement through Keystone Stars and access to subsidies through the Child Care Works program
•A $12.6 million increase for Pennsylvania PreK Counts, which would expand access and in some cases extend half-day programs to full day to help more working parents
ECEC joins partner organizations in supporting these improvements for Pennsylvania children and families. But there’s more that needs to be done:
•$9 million for Child Care Works will help 4,000 of the 8,000 children on subsidy waiting lists in Pennsylvania.
Champions in the State Senate and State House support this addition as well.
The Pennsylvania General Assembly will begin working on the budget this month. While the state fiscal year technically ends June 30th, and that would be the deadline for completion of the budget, it looks like the work will go well beyond that date and legislators will likely be in Harrisburg for the duration.
Recent Action
ECEC members joined more than 800 programs and organizations in signing a letter to the Legislature supporting the budget request. More than 500 meetings took place during Early Childhood Action Day, and more than 350 emails were sent as part of “Virtual Action Day” for those who couldn’t make it to Harrisburg.
There is still work to be done to get the message across to the legislature and help them make the connection between their decisions, what is really going on at home, and the impact of their investment.
ECEC Partners
Pennsylvania Child Care Association
Delaware Valley Association for the Education of Young Children
Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children
News & Resources
"Parents Endure Child Care Waiting List" Philadelphia Inquirer May 28, 2008
Highlights from Early Education Action Day 2008
2008 marks the 10th anniversary of TEACH in Pennsylvania!
Click here for highlights from 2007
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