Lt. Gov. Austin Davis hosts roundtable on childcare costs, expanding access

Lt. Gov. Austin Davis joined business leaders, parents, and providers for a roundtable conversation in Philadelphia to discuss how to expand access to childcare statewide.

“As a new dad, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is for working families to have access to high-quality and affordable childcare,” said Davis. “Childcare is infrastructure – much like roads, bridges and internet – and without it, our economy is crippled.”

The state budget recently signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro includes a new tax credit for employers that contribute to their employees’ childcare costs, as well as a $17.7 million increase in funding for early childhood education.

Last year, Shapiro signed into law an expansion of the state’s childcare tax credit and increased funding for Child Care Works by $66.7 million to provide 75,000 low-income families with affordable and accessible childcare.

“As a health care provider and legislator, I’ve seen firsthand how the lack of access to childcare can hurt families and our economy,” said state Rep. Tarik Khan. “I’m currently working with my colleagues to increase support for emergency childcare. I’m also pleased to support the Shapiro-Davis Administration’s efforts to make childcare more affordable and accessible.”

Lack of access to affordable childcare is a significant workforce issue across the state. According to a 2023 report by ELIC,  ReadyNation and Start Strong PA, inadequate childcare options in Pennsylvania resulted in an estimated $6 billion in lost earnings, productivity and revenue.

Earlier this year, ELIC and the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry released a report that found 8 in 10 employers they surveyed have had moderate or significant recruitment and retention issues related to childcare.

“The Greater Philadelphia Y understands the critical importance of helping working families,” said Shaun Elliott, president and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia YMCA, who hosted the roundtable. “Our high-quality childcare program helps children succeed in school and in life.”