Policy Committee Examines Barriers, Solutions to Make Child Care More Affordable

4/1/2026

HANOVER, PA – The House Republican Policy Committee, led by Chairman David H. Rowe (R-Snyder/Union/Mifflin/Juniata), convened a public hearing Monday at the YWCA Hanover to examine the growing challenges facing Pennsylvania families and child care providers, as well as identify practical solutions to improve affordability, access, and workforce stability.

Hosted by Rep. Kate Klunk (R-Hanover), chair of the House Children and Youth Committee, the hearing brought together providers, educators, employers, and local leaders to share firsthand insight into the barriers impacting child care across the Commonwealth.

“Child care is one of the most pressing affordability challenges facing Pennsylvania families,” said Rowe. “When care falls through, parents miss work, businesses lose productivity, and families feel the strain. We are here to listen and focus on real solutions that lower costs, expand access and, support providers.”

Rowe also recognized Klunk as a leading voice on the issue, noting her efforts have “not just elevated awareness, but truly moved the needle for the people of Pennsylvania.”

“During the Policy Committee hearing, we heard directly from child care providers who are rightfully frustrated by all the regulatory hurdles they face in Pennsylvania,” said Klunk. “Regulations, while well-intentioned, are holding our providers back, sometimes even forcing them out of the industry. This is unacceptable.”

“According to a study conducted by the Archbridge Institute, Pennsylvania is the third-worst state for child care freedom. Overall, we rank 48th in the nation. We must work together to deliver regulatory relief for providers and drive down costs for families. This is an issue we must fix for the long-term health and vitality of our Commonwealth.”

Any reforms, lawmakers noted, must strike a balance, reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens while ensuring children remain in safe, high-quality care environments.

Testifiers participated in two panels focused on both provider challenges and public-private solutions. The first panel featured child care providers Sara Bradley, executive director of York Day Early Learning; Jessica Shertzer, M.Ed., formerly of Nature & Nurture Discovery School; Laura Walker, director of Caterpillar Lane Preschool; and Justin Gaston, regional vice president of York County for the Hanover Area YMCA. Panel two featured public-private partnerships and workforce perspectives, with testimony from Dee Stremmel, family and consumer science educator at South Western High School; Alayna Myatt, early childhood education student; Cynthia Simpson, director of talent at Utz Brands, Inc.; Jake Taylor, executive director of the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce; and York County President Commissioner Julie Wheeler.

Testifiers outlined a system under significant strain:

• Rising costs for families: Infant care averages around $13,000 annually and can consume up to 50% of household income.
• Workforce shortages: Approximately 3,000 child care positions remain unfilled statewide.
• Limited access: Many providers report waitlists of 50–75 children or more.
• Economic impact: Child care challenges cost Pennsylvania billions annually in lost productivity and workforce participation.

Providers consistently pointed to burdensome and inconsistent regulations as a major driver of cost and limited access.

Employers and community leaders stressed that child care is not just a family issue, but a workforce and economic priority.
Local data further underscored the urgency. In York County alone, more than 20% of providers have closed since 2020, while remaining centers operate below capacity due to staffing shortages.

Wheeler emphasized the economic importance of the issue, noting, “Early childhood education is not simply a service—it is essential infrastructure for our community,” and that when child care breaks down, “parents leave jobs, employers struggle, and economic growth is hindered.” She also highlighted York County’s proactive approach, including local investments like the ECHO program to expand access and strengthen the workforce.

“Child care is the infrastructure for the labor force,” said Taylor. “If we want people to work and businesses to grow, we need policies that make child care more accessible and sustainable.”

Businesses reported challenges with absenteeism, retention, and recruitment tied directly to child care availability, reinforcing the broader economic stakes.

“There is no single solution,” Rowe said. “But there is a clear path forward—one that prioritizes affordability, supports providers, and ensures families can access reliable care.”

“We owe it to families, providers, and employers to get this right,” said Klunk. “That means listening, working together, and delivering real change.”

The hearing is part of the committee’s Freedom Through Affordability initiative and will inform future policy recommendations aimed at strengthening Pennsylvania’s child care system. The next hearing hosted by Rep. Brenda Pugh (R-Luzerne), “Small Communities, Big Costs: Reforming the Rain Tax to Make PA More Affordable,” takes place on Tuesday, April 7, in Kingston, PA, to identify ways to ease the “rain tax” burden on smaller communities.

Representative David H. Rowe
85th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Nancy Nilson
717.787.3443
nnilson@pahousegop.com
www.policycommittee.com