McNeill applauds passage of legislation to strengthen the child care workforce

Rep. Jeanne McNeill June 25, 2025 | 4:08 PM

HARRISBURG, June 25 – State Rep. Jeanne McNeill is heralding the final passage of legislation she wrote to support the childcare workforce for childcare providers participating in the Child Care Works program.

“Too many parents in Pennsylvania are forced to reduce their hours or leave the workforce altogether because they can’t find affordable, reliable, and quality childcare,” said McNeill. “There is a persistent shortage of childcare workers, driven in large part by low wages that make it difficult for providers to recruit and retain staff. I am proud of my colleagues to have voted in support of my legislation that would help solve this.”

House Bill 506 would utilize funding proposed by the governor in the 2025-26 budget to support the childcare workforce through recruitment and retention bonuses for licensed childcare providers participation in the Child Care Works program. On average, those bonuses would result in an additional $1,000 per teacher annually, providing a meaningful resource to help childcare providers raise wages and stabilize the workforce.

“This investment would not only help stabilize our childcare workforce and provide quality care and education to our youngest learners, but it will also support the broader workforce and strengthen Pennsylvania’s economy by keeping parents from leaving their jobs due to high costs or lack of childcare,” said McNeill.

House Bill 506 now goes to the state Senate for consideration.

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