Pennsylvania task force would plan free child care for residents

The task force would develop a plan and recommend funding for free child care across Pennsylvania. The work would include estimates of economic effects, worker pay, provider costs, and areas with too few child care spaces. The plan would cover free care for residents regardless of income. Funding and pay proposals would be recommendations; this measure would not itself provide free child care. The plan would target 2032, and annual funding recommendations would begin November 1, 2026, and continue until full implementation.

The task force would publish reports, and the Department of Human Services would maintain a public website. Residents could view reports, yearly progress ratings, related bills and voting records, and task force expenses. The department would also explain proposed spending, expected results, and possible duplication whenever money is available to carry out the act. The first report would be due within one year of the act taking effect, followed by updates each October 31.

The measure would set aside up to $250,000 for the Department of Human Services to run the task force. The money would pay for task force administration and operations. Only as much of the $250,000 as necessary would be used. The act would take effect 60 days after becoming law.