Aug. 26, 2025
HARRISBURG – Recognizing the hardships brought on by the ongoing budget impasse are being extended to Pennsylvania families, Rep. Eric Davanzo (R-Westmoreland) is seeking legislation that would provide zero-interest loans for Pre-K Counts child care centers.
“Freezing public funds is the House Democrat’s despicable game of creating victims to see who will take more of the public blame for a late budget. But we have too much on the line to play childish games and throw temper tantrums,” Davanzo said. “When working parents are turned away from their providers, they’ll miss work, creating a dip in our economy, while child care staff seek other jobs. Remember, this is an industry that has barely bounced back from the unnecessary and forced closures during the pandemic.”
Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts provides half- and full-day pre-kindergarten programs to eligible 3- and 4-year-olds in families earning up to 300% of the federal income poverty level, such as a family of four earning $72,900 or children with special needs.
Davanzo’s proposal would authorize the Pennsylvania Department of Education to offer no-interest loans equal to the amount a Pre-K Counts provider would have received if the budget had been enacted timely. The funds’ only allowable usage would be student services and programs. Once a budget is signed into law, the loans would be repaid.
“Working Pennsylvanians are focused on their day-to-day, caring for their children, earning income and enjoying time with their families. The hardships being placed on them are the result of unrealistic budget schemes that spike government spending by billions,” Davanzo said. “Families with young children are being held political hostage by House Democrats, who are continuing to use their one-seat majority to squash responsible budget proposals, and seem to enjoy Gov. Josh Shapiro’s blessing in doing so. It’s time the interests and needs of these families are prioritized.”
A letter informing House members of the proposal and inviting them to co-sponsor the legislation was circulated Thursday.
Representative Eric Davanzo
58th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jordan Frei
724-875-8450
RepDavanzo.com / Facebook.com/RepDavanzo