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Last week, Congress passed the reconciliation bill that was signed into law on July 4. Thank you to all who sent emails, made calls, and shared stories regarding the concerning cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This is not the outcome we hoped for and we are disheartened by the choice to cut investments to programs we know support families, young children, and professionals in the early childhood field. 

Across Pennsylvania, it’s estimated that nearly 144,000 Pennsylvanians who receive SNAP could lose access and 310,000 Pennsylvanians could lose Medicaid coverage. The Shapiro Administration released a factsheet with an estimate by Congressional district. We encourage you to continue to engage with your Congress member and Senators John Fetterman and Dave McCormick about the impact to you and your community. 

• Enter your address to confirm your U.S. Congressperson here.
• Contact Senator John Fetterman here.
• Contact Senator Dave McCormick here.

Trying Together remains committed to advocating alongside early educators, families, and communities to educate policymakers on the negative impact of the cuts and how to strengthen policy and investments that will help the early care and education system and families to thrive. 

Read NAEYC’s statement on the reconciliation passage here.

While the reconciliation negotiations are over, Congress must still go through the process of the annual appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2026, which includes yearly discretionary funding for child care and Head Start. The deadline for the appropriations bill is Sept. 30, so there is still time to let our policymakers know how important it is to invest in early learning.

 

Take Action

As Congress switches gears to make decisions about the annual appropriations, including such key early childhood programs as Child Care and Development Block Grant, Head Start and IDEA preschool special education and early intervention, urge your federal policymakers to invest in early learning. Add your voice to ours by taking action today and sending a message to your members of Congress.

 

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Ongoing Pennsylvania State Budget Negotiations

Additionally, we are still in the midst of Pennsylvania state budget negotiations for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 where we have the opportunity to establish a new “line item” in the Department of Human Services’ budget for the child care workforce. 

As we navigate the ongoing developments and policy implications at the federal and state level, the Trying Together policy team stands as a steadfast resource for your questions and concerns. In solidarity with the early learning community, we are here to help make sense of the information and collaborate on meaningful action.  

Take Action

It’s important that we keep working together to ensure policy makers hear from us that child care needs strong public investment. Your voice can make a difference – and we need your help in the final days of budget negotiations to make sure the Pennsylvania General Assembly hears how important the $55 million is for children, families, educators, and businesses. Email your legislators today and urge them to support Gov. Shapiro’s $55 million child care workforce investment as they negotiate the final budget.