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Trying Together’s director of public policy testified at an August public hearing held by the state House of Representatives’ Republican Policy Committee to examine challenges facing Pennsylvania’s child care system and discuss solutions.

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Emily Neff, Trying Together’s director of public policy, was among those who testified at the hearing. Speakers discussed the impact on families, providers, and the economy caused by low pay, workforce shortages, and rising costs of care. Policymakers also expressed interest in exploring regulatory reforms to ease the burden and reduce red tape for child care programs.

“When looking for solutions within the regulations, it’s critical to make sure that we are not making changes that tie directly to child health, safety, and quality learning,” Neff said. “We hear that liability costs are unsustainable. We hear so many stories across Allegheny County that zoning codes create barriers to open or maintain a home-based child care business.”

During her testimony, Neff said that many families pay the same amount for their rent or mortgage that they do for child care and noted that the pay for early childhood educators is driving viable candidates away from the field.

“The problem is not the pipeline,” she said. “There are dedicated people who are passionate about educating young children – but when they’re told that the wage is $15.15 an hour, people don’t want to or truly cannot pursue that path.”

The hearing was held as part of the House Republican Policy Committee’s ongoing work to engage with stakeholders across the state and ensure that proposed policy solutions support families, strengthen the workforce, and create opportunity. 

“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,” said state Rep. Natalie Mihalek (R-Washington), who hosted the hearing. “By hearing directly from those who work in child care, my House colleagues and I are better positioned to craft common sense solutions that address this important issue.”

The full hearing is available online.