The Venango Area Chamber of Commerce has joined 59 other local chambers and economic development organizations in urging Governor Josh Shapiro to prioritize funding for child care teacher recruitment and retention. The coalition applauds the Governor’s 2025-26 budget proposal, which includes $55 million in funding to support licensed child care providers in strengthening their workforce.

Addressing the child care teacher shortage is critical to keeping high-quality child care centers open, allowing parents to remain in the workforce, and ensuring businesses have a steady talent pipeline. Pennsylvania currently has 3,000 unfilled jobs in child care, leaving families with long waitlists and limited options.

The Venango Chamber remains committed to advocating for initiatives that support our local workforce and economy. We encourage state legislators to approve this much-needed investment, ensuring that families, employers, and child care professionals have the resources they need to succeed.

This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s March 2025 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.