Family Friendly Pennsylvania released the following statement following Governor Josh Shapiro’s inaugural budget address, applauding the governor’s commitment to an agenda to uplift working families and seniors and the possibilities that lie ahead for progress on these critical care issues.
“Yesterday, during his budget address, Governor Josh Shapiro demonstrated his commitment to an agenda that centers working families and seniors across our Commonwealth,” said State Director of Family Friendly Pennsylvania Rachele Fortier.
“Governor Shapiro’s proposed investments in Child Care Works and to address child care staffing shortages are a step towards stabilizing Pennsylvania’s child care industry and recognize the need for increased access to affordable child care. Additionally, his proposed investments in home and community based services will work to lower costs and improve quality of life for seniors and disabled Pennsylvanians.”
“We are calling on Pennsylvania’s General Assembly to follow Governor Shapiro’s lead in advocating for working families on issues like paid family and medical leave, affordable child care, and cutting costs for seniors, disabled Pennsylvanians, and their families.”
Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal includes:
- Investments in affordable child care and to address child care staffing shortages
- Up to $66.7 million in Child Care Works, Pennsylvnia’s subsidized child care program for low-income families
- $30 million increase for Pre-K Counts
- $2.7 million in funding for the Head Start Supplemental Program
- Investments to reduce costs and improve quality of life for seniors and disabled Pennsylvanians and their families
- $10 million to reduce the wait list for the Help at Home Program
- $1 million to issue Senior Community Center grants to improve safety and accessibility
- Over $1.9 million in resources for long-term care facilities to address staffing shortages, and ensure every resident in a Skilled Nursing Facility receives the highest level of care possible
- $684,000 to recruit and hire staff at the nine state Centers for Independent Living
- $17.6 million toward reducing the waiting list for home and community-based services
- $3.4 million for Pennsylvania’s Lifesharing program, which allows adults with disabilities to live at home
- Expansion of the Property Tax Rent Rebate, which hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvania seniors rely on to stay in their homes
- A $16 million investment in SNAP to increase the minimum benefit by 52% to address food insecurity among seniors and people with disabilities