Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HR219

Introduced
9/25/23  

Caption

Directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study of emergency child care and provide recommendations.

Impact

The resolution highlights the current state of emergency child care facilities in Pennsylvania, noting that many areas are classified as 'child care deserts.' With only 12 crisis nurseries operating in the Commonwealth, there is an urgent need for policy action to enhance the availability of such services. The study will also explore potential sources of federal funding that Pennsylvania could leverage to support these facilities, addressing the critical shortage and the unique challenges they encounter, including low wages, making it difficult to retain qualified staff.

Summary

HR219 directs the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a comprehensive study of emergency child care in Pennsylvania, focusing on analyzing the availability, challenges faced, and funding sources for emergency child care services. The resolution emphasizes the need for safe and accessible emergency child care options to assist families facing crises. Currently, many child care facilities struggle with staffing issues and insufficient funding, which has resulted in a lack of adequate emergency child care resources throughout the state. The bill aims to develop informed legislative strategies to improve the situation.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR219 appears largely supportive, with a consensus among legislators on the importance of providing robust emergency child care services to families in crisis. There is recognition of the complexities involved, including workforce retention and the impact of federal funding on state capability. While there seems to be an urgency to act, the resolution also highlights the need for a detailed understanding of the current landscape to craft effective policies.

Contention

While HR219 aims to lay the groundwork for addressing emergency child care challenges, there are underlying concerns regarding the adequacy of existing resources and the potential bureaucratic hurdles that may arise from the study process. Stakeholders may debate how best to implement the recommendations from the study and ensure that any new policies strike a balance between accessibility and quality of care, particularly in regions currently underserved by emergency child care solutions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HR41

Directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study of emergency child care and provide recommendations.

PA HR143

Directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study on the Commonwealth's preparedness to respond to public health emergencies.

PA HR302

Directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study of medication errors and issue a report to provide recommendations on reduction of errors and improved patient safety.

PA HR203

Directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study of medication errors and issue a report to provide recommendations on reduction of errors and improved patient safety.

PA HR252

Directing the Joint State Government Commission to establish the 911/988 Technical Advisory Board and conduct a study and issue recommendations on interoperability between and across 911 and 988.

PA HR20

Directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a thorough and comprehensive study on truck parking in Pennsylvania and provide recommendations to effectively address this issue.

PA HR236

Directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a thorough and comprehensive study on truck parking in Pennsylvania and provide recommendations to effectively address this issue.

PA HR142

Directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study and issue a report on the best practices and recommendations for the operation of juvenile detention centers within this Commonwealth.

PA HR80

Directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study and issue a report on the best practices and recommendations for the operation of juvenile detention centers within this Commonwealth.

PA SR46

Directing the Joint State Government Commission to establish the Task Force on Women Veterans' Health Care.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.