May. 01, 2026
HOLLIDAYSBURG— The House Republican Policy Committee, led by Chairman David H. Rowe (R-Snyder/Union/Mifflin/Juniata), convened a public hearing Thursday at the Blair Regional YMCA to examine the growing challenges surrounding childcare affordability and accessibility for Pennsylvania families. Hosted by Rep. Scott Barger (R-Blair/Huntingdon), the hearing featured testimony from childcare, business, education, and community leaders on staffing shortages, regulatory burdens, and rising costs impacting families and providers alike.
“As we travel the Commonwealth focused on affordability, we continue hearing that childcare is one of the biggest pressures facing Pennsylvania families,” said Rowe. “Parents are facing long waitlists and rising costs, while providers are struggling with staffing shortages, increasing expenses, and regulations that are often difficult to navigate. Our goal is to identify practical solutions that improve access to safe, high-quality childcare while supporting the providers families depend on.”
“The message we heard today was simple: families need childcare and providers want to serve them, but the system is making it harder than it needs to be,” Barger said. “Small regulatory barriers are creating big, real-world consequences for working parents.”
Testifiers at the hearing included:
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Sharon Jones, executive director of the Blair Regional YMCA
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Bill Young, director of compensation, benefits and risk for Sheetz
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Mark Lingenfelter, lead pastor of Grace Fellowship Church
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Rodney Green, founder of Rodney L. Green Consulting
Written testimony was submitted by Jolie L. Cover, president and executive director of Begin With Us Child Care and Preschool Inc. in Altoona.
Testifiers emphasized that childcare challenges extend beyond families and providers, impacting Pennsylvania’s workforce and economy as a whole.
Jones highlighted how outdated and inflexible regulations can limit childcare availability despite strong demand. Jones explained that minor regulatory adjustments could allow providers to serve additional children and reduce waitlists without compromising safety.
“We are committed to safety — that’s non-negotiable,” Jones testified. “But there are simple changes that could make a major difference for families, providers and employers throughout our communities.”
Young discussed the company’s employer-supported childcare model and the direct connection between reliable childcare and workforce stability.
“When childcare falls through, employees miss shifts, reduce hours or leave the workforce altogether,” Young testified. “This creates instability for families and real operational challenges for employers.”
Lingenfelter shared concerns about confusing and inconsistent state guidance impacting long-standing, faith-based preschool programs. Lingenfelter testified that his church’s preschool, which has served families in the community for more than 40 years, received conflicting information regarding changing compliance requirements.
“We do not seek to sidestep educational standards or safety requirements,” Lingenfelter said. “But the way state laws are implemented has just as much impact on families as the laws themselves.”
Educational consultant Rodney Green stressed that affordability has become a reality affecting families, employers and providers alike.
“Affordability is not a catchphrase,” Green testified. “It’s a reality for families, employees and employers.”
Testifiers also highlighted the role Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program can play in expanding childcare access and supporting working families. Young noted that Sheetz utilizes EITC-supported scholarships to help offset childcare costs for employees using its on-site learning center, describing the program as an example of a successful public-private partnership that improves affordability while helping employers recruit and retain workers.
Throughout the hearing, lawmakers discussed the importance of maintaining safety and quality standards while identifying opportunities to modernize regulations, improve workforce pathways and reduce unnecessary barriers that limit childcare access.
“This is not about lowering standards,” Rowe said following the hearing. “It’s about finding the right balance, so families can access affordable childcare, providers can continue serving their communities and Pennsylvania’s workforce can thrive.”
With Thursday’s hearing, the Policy Committee has now convened five hearings focused on childcare affordability and accessibility.
To watch the hearing and
follow the Policy Committee here.
Representative David H. Rowe
85th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Nancy Nilson
717.787.3443
nnilson@pahousegop.com