(WHTM) — Pennsylvania lawmakers will inject millions into the state’s childcare industry thanks to last week’s $50.09 billion budget deal.
The budget provides $25 million to help address staffing concerns across the industry, which Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) said has nearly 3,000 unfilled jobs.
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“My mom has worked in childcare for almost 16 years, and while I’ve always aspired to follow in her footsteps, I’ve been apprehensive due to the lower wages in this field,” said Madison Peneguy, an after care teacher with Children of God Educational Services. “However, this new incentive gives hope.”
If the state fills the vacant positions, childcare workers could provide for up to 25,000 more children, something Shapiro said was one of his priorities when passing the state budget.
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“I want to be very clear about something,” Shapiro said. “This isn’t something I’m hopeful for. This isn’t something that is aspirational. This is something we got done.”
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