PA Lawmakers to Hold Hearing on Child Care Crisis and Solutions

Pennsylvania lawmakers will gather Tuesday, July 29, for a public hearing to address the state’s ongoing child care crisis. Hosted by House Republican Policy Committee Vice Chairman Kristin Marcell (R-Bucks), along with Reps. Shelby Labs (R-Bucks) and Joe Hogan (R-Bucks), the hearing is titled “Child Care Challenges and Solutions.”

The event will focus on potential reforms aimed at modernizing child care regulations and staff eligibility requirements to better support providers and families across the Commonwealth. Lawmakers say the goal is to identify solutions that allow child care businesses to grow while improving access to affordable, reliable care for working parents.

The hearing will feature testimony from:

• Aaron Riggleman, Manager, Government Affairs, PA Chamber of Business and Industry
• Marissa Christie, President and CEO, United Way Bucks
• Tami Unger, Branch Director, River Crossing YMCA
• Bernadette Rodrigo, Director, Children’s Village
• Tiffany Martin, Director, Teddy Bear College

These individuals are expected to share perspectives on the regulatory and workforce challenges impacting the industry, as well as offer recommendations for strengthening Pennsylvania’s child care infrastructure.

The hearing will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 29, at Upper Bucks Technical School, located at 3115 Ridge Road in Perkasie, PA. Barring any technical difficulties, the hearing will be livestreamed at policycommittee.com.

This policy hearing is part of a broader effort by House Republicans to examine key issues facing Pennsylvania families and employers, with child care access remaining a top concern for communities across the state.