Aug. 26, 2025
Testifiers share real-world challenges during Policy Committee hearing hosted by Rep. Natalie Mihalek in Pittsburgh area
PITTSBURGH—The House Republican Policy Committee, chaired by Rep. David H. Rowe (R-Snyder/Union/Mifflin/Juniata), held a public hearing today in Venetia to examine the growing challenges facing Pennsylvania’s child care system and discuss potential solutions to strengthen the workforce and support families.
The hearing, hosted by Rep. Natalie Mihalek (R-Allegheny/Washington), featured three testifiers: Emily Neff, director of public policy, Trying Together; Abigail Enz-Doerschner, M.S.Ed, assistant director, Once Upon A Time Early Learning Center; and Jessica Lausch, vice president of youth development, YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh. Each spoke about the economic and human toll caused by outdated regulations, workforce shortages, and rising costs of care that impact families across the Commonwealth.
Also in attendance were Reps. Tim O’Neal (R-Washington), Jim Struzzi (R-Indiana), Kate Klunk (R-York), Stephenie Scialabba (R-Butler), Jamie Barton (R-Berks/Schuylkill), Joe Hogan (R-Bucks), Robert Leadbeter (R-Columbia), Valerie Gaydos (R-Allegheny), and Brian Rasel (R-Westmoreland).
“All too often, Pennsylvania families are priced out of quality, affordable child care and have to second guess whether they can afford to pursue or maintain a career,” Mihalek said. “By hearing directly from those who work in child care, my House colleagues and I are better positioned to craft commonsense solutions that address this important issue.”
Klunk, Republican chair of the House Children and Youth Committee and a leading advocate on child care reform, also underscored the need for meaningful action.
“Today, the House Republican Policy Committee hosted its third hearing in a series about child care regulations and affordability,” said Klunk. “We are wholeheartedly committed to taking stakeholder feedback from these hearings and implementing commonsense policy solutions to help providers, children, and families thrive in Pennsylvania. By getting onerous, unnecessary regulations out of the way, business owners can cultivate a safe, healthy environment for kids, without passing along the cost of red tape compliance to families. Our Commonwealth desperately needs this relief. Quality, affordable child care is essential.”
“Families, employers, and children alike feel the ripple effects of Pennsylvania’s broken child care system,” said Rowe. “When parents can’t access affordable, reliable care, businesses lose workers, children lose opportunities, and our economy loses ground. Today’s testimony underscores why real reforms—not just short-term fixes—are urgently needed.”
This hearing is part of the Policy Committee’s ongoing work to engage with stakeholders across Pennsylvania and ensure that the proposed policy solutions support families, strengthen the workforce, and create opportunity in every community.
The full hearing is available to view online at
PAGOPPolicy.com.
Representative David H. Rowe
85th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Nancy Nilson
717.787.3443
nnilson@pahousegop.com
www.pagoppolicy.com