Pennsylvania

On June 28, 2019, the 2019-2020 Pennsylvania state budget was enacted into law. We thank Governor Wolf and the General Assembly for their ongoing support for increasing state investments in high-quality pre-k and evidence-based voluntary home visiting programs that are shown to prevent crime, provide a solid foundation for future learning and positive behavior, prevent child abuse and neglect, and promote positive parenting. While we are grateful that Pennsylvania received a significant federal increase for child care, we are disappointed that the final budget cut $36 million in state resources, which could have been used to boost the quality of care during the birth to three years when brain development in our youngest learners is most vigorous. Our law enforcement, retired military, and business leaders—in coordination with our partners in the Pre-K for PA, Childhood Begins at Home, Start Strong PA, and PA Schools Work campaigns—made a strong case for increasing the above investments this year. Our diverse membership in Pennsylvania will continue focusing attention on the urgent need to help give Pennsylvania’s most at-risk children and families their best chance to succeed while also decreasing future crime, enhancing our national security, increasing workforce readiness, and saving taxpayer dollars.