Jul. 19, 2017
HARRISBURG — Rep. Jason Ortitay (R-Washington/Allegheny) today introduced a resolution to study child care costs and a bill to change the words “day care” to “child care” in state law.
“Almost 20 years have passed since the last study of child care costs by the state,” Ortitay said. “Many changes and improvements have occurred during this time period, including new programs to advance the quality of care. The No. 1 factor affecting the quality of a program is staff-child interactions. However, no substantial changes have been made in wages to keep and retain high-quality staff.”
House Resolution 437 would require the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee (LBFC) to study the costs of high-quality child care compared to available funds. The last study was done in 1999. Child care subsidy rates in Pennsylvania have been frozen since 2007. In 2015, the Commonwealth’s subsidy rates fell in the 33rd percentile of what providers charge, far below the 75th percentile that the federal government cites as necessary to give low-income families a similar choice of quality programs as more affluent families.
House Bill 1677 would replace the words “day care” with “child care” in state law to better reflect the reality of what occurs at these sites and the incredibly important work of early childhood professionals.
“The first few years of a child’s life encompass the most rapid period of brain development,” Ortitay said. “For young children, child care and education cannot be separated. By making this change in the law, we are acknowledging the importance child care plays in preparing a child for success.”
The 46th Legislative District includes Collier and South Fayette townships and Bridgeville, Heidelberg, McDonald and Oakdale boroughs in Allegheny County. It also encompasses Canton, Cecil, Mt. Pleasant, Robinson and Smith townships and Burgettstown, McDonald and Midway boroughs in Washington County.
Representative Jason Ortitay
46th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
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