HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania House of Representatives voted 186-16 on Wednesday to approve legislation directing a statewide study of Pennsylvania’s child care industry, including the role of public, private and private equity providers as lawmakers examine rising costs and ongoing challenges facing families and operators.
House Resolution 363, introduced by state Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester, would require the Joint State Government Commission to study the impact of the various sectors involved in child care and evaluate increasing financial pressures on providers, including rising professional liability insurance costs.
The commission would also review how other states have addressed similar issues and issue a report containing findings and legislative recommendations.
“For working families, childcare is too expensive and all too often parents struggle to find care,” Shusterman said. “The current situation for working parents, childcare facilities, and the professionals who take care of our children requires that we take action in the General Assembly. We owe it to the working parents, businesses and childcare providers of our Commonwealth to put in the effort and step up to create a viable path forward.”
The resolution was amended before passage to broaden the scope of the review.
“As amended, this broad study will examine all the sectors of childcare in our state,” Shusterman added. “I thank my colleagues for coming together to support this vital initiative.”
If completed, the study is expected to provide lawmakers with recommendations that could inform future legislation aimed at improving child care affordability, availability and long-term sustainability across Pennsylvania.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.