On July 11th, the 2024-2025 state fiscal budget was passed, reflecting a strong commitment to building a brighter and more equitable future for Pennsylvania’s children. At the Voices for Children Coalition, we are dedicated to continuing our advocacy for policies that support and uplift children and families. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, and this budget brings us one step closer to realizing that vision. With substantial investments in K-12 education and gun violence prevention, a start to alleviate the childcare crisis, and lower-than-expected appropriations for early childcare and child welfare, this budget presents a mixed but promising step forward for Pennsylvania’s youngest citizens. We commend the efforts of Governor Shapiro, state legislators, and advocates for prioritizing children, with over 50% of the funds directed toward their well-being. Here are the key investments that will profoundly impact the lives of children and families across the state
Child Welfare
The budget includes a $2 million increase in state investments for child welfare. While any increase is welcome, this amount is lower than in previous years, attributed to underspending due to staffing shortages and additional pandemic-related costs. Staffing shortages lead to burnout and high turnover, disrupting care for vulnerable children and limiting essential support services. Several counties, including Delaware County, operate under provisional licenses due to regulatory failures, highlighting systemic issues statewide. Pennsylvania has a troubling history with the treatment of juveniles in its detention facilities. The Lima Detention Center, for example, faced allegations of severe abuse and neglect, prompting investigations and legal action. Similarly, the Glen Mills Schools, once a prominent juvenile facility, was exposed for a pattern of physical abuse, inadequate care, and systemic failures, leading to its closure in 2019. Pennsylvania’s longstanding issues of maltreatment and poor conditions in juvenile facility care underscores the need for robust oversight. One proposed solution is the establishment of an independent Office of the Child Advocate to ensure that state investments truly benefit children’s well-being. Learn more about the proposed legislation, House Bill 2175, on our VFC legislation tracker. https://voicesforchildrendelco.org/child-welfare/
Early Child Care & Education
The Child Care Services line received a $26 million increase, though $5.6 million less than the governor proposed. Despite this boost, the state continues to face a childcare crisis, with 78,000 eligible children on waiting lists due to classroom and staffing shortages. Low wages, with the average childcare teacher earning $15.15 per hour, exacerbate these shortages. The budget includes a $15 million increase for Pre-K Counts, a $2.7 million increase for Head Start, and a $9.1 million increase for Early Intervention Part C. These funds will help serve additional infants and toddlers but will not be enough to improve wages and eliminate the childcare crisis.
Additionally, home visiting funding remains the same, failing to compensate for inflation. Currently, only 7% of eligible pregnant women, young children, and families receive home visiting services. On a more positive note, funding for maternal health doubled from last year, with a $2.6 million increase for maternity mortality prevention. While these investments are a step in the right direction, more comprehensive action is needed to resolve the state’s childcare crisis fully.
K-12 Education
A total of $1 billion is being disbursed to Pennsylvania’s 500 school districts, including $526 million for the 350 underfunded districts. For the first time, state lawmakers have provided twice as much funding to low-wealth districts compared to all districts. While this appropriation fills only 10.9% of the adequacy gap, it is an equitable step forward, ensuring all PA students receive a quality education with up-to-date textbooks, counselors, libraries, art classes, and safe school buildings.
Funding for Delaware County School Districts. Source: Children First
Health
Recognizing the essential role of nutrition in child development, the budget raises the minimum SNAP benefit for low-income families, ensuring more children have access to nutritious food. The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) will receive a $67,711 increase. CHIP and Medicaid will see a combined increase of $4.1 million, allowing DHS to continue identifying children and youth eligibility. Currently, 5.5% of Pennsylvania’s children are without health insurance. This underscores the ongoing need for robust CHIP funding to ensure all children have access to essential health services.
Environmental Safety
Investing in a greener and safer future, the budget includes several groundbreaking initiatives. A $25 million grant for the Solar for Schools program will enable schools, community colleges, and technical schools to embrace solar energy projects. Additionally, $50 million has been allocated to the Whole Repair Program, which will aid homeowners in making vital habitability repairs and energy-efficient upgrades, including the removal of hazardous lead paint. With 80% of Delaware County properties built before the 1978 lead paint ban, this is a critical step forward. Furthermore, the budget dedicates $100 million to repairing school facilities, paving the way for the removal of lead paint and pipes from classrooms. These investments are crucial steps towards healthier, safer, and more sustainable environments.
Gun Violence Prevention
The budget makes a substantial step towards reducing violence and improving community safety, with $45 million being allocated to the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, including a $16.5 million increase for anti-violence community and after-school programs. This investment underscores the governor’s commitment to empowering communities to create safer environments for all residents.
Voices for Children celebrates these investments, especially the increased funding for education, environmental safety, and public safety—key areas that directly impact child well-being. We invite you to join us in continuing to advocate for sustained, impactful state investments that truly address the needs of all Pennsylvania’s vulnerable children. Together, we can make a lasting difference and ensure every child has the chance to thrive.