As Pennsylvania lawmakers work to finalize the state budget, our communities face countless priorities competing for limited resources — from infrastructure needs and public safety to workforce development and education.

This year, with so much uncertainty surrounding potential cuts to federal funding that could impact vital programs across the commonwealth, the choices our leaders make will have a lasting impact on our economic resilience.

Amid all these pressing needs, one issue stands out as both urgent and uniquely bipartisan: the child care crisis threatening our workforce and local economy.

Earlier this month, the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce brought together legislators, employers, early childhood care providers and nonprofit partners for a roundtable to confront this challenge head-on. We examined the real barriers families face and the consequences for businesses when child care breaks down.

The numbers are stark:

• 83% of child care programs in Westmoreland County report staffing shortages.

• 69 teaching positions remain unfilled locally, leaving about 747 children without care.

• 86% of local programs struggle to recruit qualified educators.

Statewide, the workforce gap is even wider. A recent survey found that among just 17.6% of certified providers, over 3,000 teaching positions are vacant — leaving more than 25,000 Pennsylvania children without access to reliable care. And these figures only hint at the real scope of the crisis.

Behind these numbers are real families forced to make impossible choices. When child care isn’t available, parents — especially mothers — are often forced to reduce work hours, decline promotions or leave the workforce entirely. That’s talent our local businesses can’t afford to lose.

This isn’t just a family issue — it’s a workforce issue that touches every employer in our region. Empty classrooms mean missed opportunities for growth, higher turnover and increased absenteeism.

Labor economist Kathryn Edwards, who spoke at our event, called child care “a hidden drag on economic growth.” She put it plainly: “This is a classic public good that market forces alone can’t fix. Without state investment, we risk long-term economic harm.”

Today’s early childhood educators endure low wages, high stress and constant staff shortages — yet have an unwavering commitment to our youngest learners.

As one local provider told the group: “This isn’t just a child care issue. It’s an economic issue. It’s a workforce issue. It’s a family issue.” And she’s right — when the child care system falters, every corner of our community feels it.

Child care has long been one of the few issues that draws strong bipartisan support. A March 2025 Susquehanna Polling survey found that 98% of Pennsylvanians believe early education is important, and 83% support state investment in teacher recruitment and retention.

The Westmoreland County Chamber, together with more than 70 other chambers statewide, is urging lawmakers to act now. We’re calling for:

• A child care recruitment and retention initiative providing a $1,000 annual stipend for early educators — a first step to help stabilize this essential workforce.

• Expansion of the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit and the Child Care Tax Credit for Employers.

• Investments in workforce development programs to train and retain quality early childhood educators.

Our Chamber will continue working with our members, community partners and policymakers to push for solutions that ensure families have access to reliable child care, early educators are valued and our economy stays strong. The road to a balanced state budget will never be simple — especially in uncertain times. But when it comes to child care, we know the investment pays dividends for families, businesses, and our future workforce alike.

We call on our leaders to make child care a priority — because when families thrive, businesses grow and our entire community benefits.

Dan DeBone is president and CEO of the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce.

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