“Child care workers — they're teaching our future. They're with the kids from early in the morning when the parent has to go to work until sometimes late in the evening. And they're spending that quality time with the child. And that's why we need quality workers. Anything that we can do to help attract those quality workers is good.”

Governor Shapiro’s 2025-26 proposed budget includes commonsense solutions to problems facing Pennsylvanians — especially when it comes to strengthening the Commonwealth’s workforce.

Harrisburg, PA – Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget proposal delivers commonsense solutions to challenges facing Pennsylvanians — especially when it comes to strengthening our workforce. In his budget address, the Governor called on the General Assembly to join him in solving these problems.

A key focus of Governor Shapiro’s proposed budget is a $55 million investment in workforce recruitment and retention grants, providing child care workers in the Child Care Works (CCW) Program with an additional $1,000 per year. The Governor has already delivered real relief for families by expanding the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit, saving Pennsylvania families $136 million, and creating the Employer Child Care Contribution Tax Credit, helping businesses support employees’ child care costs. 

Click here to watch Bradley Mattern, who is the child care policy and safety manager for the Harrisburg Area YMCA, talk about why these investments matter or read the transcript below.

TRANSCRIPT

“My name is Bradley Mattern. I am the child care policy and safety manager for the Harrisburg Area YMCA. 

“I believe the reason why we have a shortage of child care workers in Pennsylvania is because we just simply can't pay high enough wage to attract qualified individuals to work with the kids. 

“I think with the budget, with some of the grant opportunities that are in the budget, I think that'll be a tremendous help.

“Child care workers — they're teaching our future. They're with the kids from early in the morning when the parent has to go to work until sometimes late in the evening. And they're spending that quality time with the child. And that's why we need quality workers. Anything that we can do to help attract those quality workers is good. 

“I'm very hopeful that things in Pennsylvania will improve and continue to improve like they have been over the past two years. I think that Pennsylvania and what's happening right now will help us be a leader.”