Over 153K children in PA lack health insurance, highest number in 10 years: Report

PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children released an annual report showing that more than 153,000 children in the Commonwealth lack health insurance, which is the highest number in 10 years. According to the report, nearly 47% of Pennsylvania children rely on Medicaid, CHIP or Pennie for health insurance; however, with rising premiums and costs, […]

‘A double whammy:’ early learning centers feeling impacts of state and federal budget impasses

They took out loans just to keep classrooms running. Now, as Pennsylvania’s budget impasse ends, early childhood centers are bracing to repay the debt—with interest. The Pennsylvania House of Representatives on Wednesday approved a state budget deal by a 156-47 vote that boosts early childhood education funding; Governor Josh Shapiro later signed this into law. […]

Pennsylvania’s early childhood education in crisis, report finds

A new report warns Pennsylvania’s early childhood education system is in crisis — threatening children, families, and the state’s economy. The 2025 State of Early Care and Education in Pennsylvania finds more than 160,000 eligible children lack access to quality programs. Maggie Livelsberger, policy director at Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, said the report reveals families can’t find or […]

Local News How a federal government shutdown could affect Pennsylvanians, New Jerseyans who use SNAP, WIC benefits

Social security, Medicare and Medicaid payments are continuing now that the federal government has shut down, but other programs might have to rely on state funds if a shutdown drags on, experts say. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, which helps nearly 500,000 people feed their families every month in Philadelphia alone, could […]

As measles vaccination rate continues to decline, Pa. kindergarteners below herd immunity level

Individual school districts determine what paperwork is required to exempt a student from a vaccine. That can lead to inconsistent policies across county lines, according to Becky Ludwick, vice president of public policy at Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, a nonprofit children’s advocacy organization that recently published a report about declining MMR vaccinations in Pennsylvania. “You have schools […]

State of the Child

 

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