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 […]

Report: MMR vaccine rates drop among PA kindergarteners

A new analysis found Pennsylvania’s childhood vaccination rates are slipping. For the second year in a row, kindergarten immunizations fell below the 95% target set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Becky Ludwick, vice president of public policy for Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, said state data show a steady decline over the past seven […]

Rising vaccination exemptions raise concerns of disease outbreaks in schools

More unvaccinated students are enrolling in school and advocates worry that could fuel disease outbreaks that endanger others in the community. The number of unvaccinated children whose families claimed religious or philosophical objections has more than doubled since the 2020-21 school year, according to data compiled by the Pennsylvania Partnership for Children. Earlier this month, […]

PA ranks 20th in children’s well-being, despite health challenges

Pennsylvania ranks 20th in the nation for overall child well-being, in the new 2025 Kids Count Data Book. The Annie E. Casey Foundation report ranks states on how kids are doing in terms of economic well-being, education, health and more. Kari King, president and CEO of Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, said despite the state’s rank of 20th for […]

State of the Child

 

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