Advocacy

New national research underscores urgent need for continued federal and state investments in child care sector

Pottsville, PA - The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce is pleased that, for the first time in Pennsylvania’s history, the Commonwealth has established a new, dedicated budget line item to support child care teacher recruitment and retention. With a $25 million investment included in the 2025–2026 state budget, Pennsylvania now joins 18 other states that are taking meaningful action to strengthen the early childhood education workforce.

Many of our members have shared with us how the lack of accessible child care options in Schuylkill County impact talent recruitment, hiring efforts and ability to retain your work workforce. Parents who want to work are on waiting lists that range ...

On a bipartisan vote (113-90) in the PA House, a bill to recruit and retain child care teachers passed. The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce is proud to stand with over 70 chambers of commerce and economic development organizations across ...

Local speakers will joined TRIP at a virtual news conference to highlight findings from a new report that examines pavement and bridge conditions, traffic safety and funding needs on Pennsylvania's system of local roads and bridges.

No child care teachers, no work: PA must invest to stop economic bleeding Pennsylvania’s child care teachers are the workforce behind the workforce. When they are in the classroom, parents can go to work with confidence, knowing that their ...

SCHUYLKILL COUNTY, Pa., May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Local chambers of commerce from across Pennsylvania, including the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce, submitted a letter to state lawmakers urging them to address Pennsylvania's historic child care ...

The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce and its Board of Directors has issued a letter to Penn State University leadership, including the president, vp for commonwealth campuses & executive chancellor, senior vp & chief of staff, and interim executive vice president & provost. The letter expresses deep concern for the potential closure of Penn State Schuylkill, and urges strong consideration for the continuation of operations of Penn State Schuylkill. 

HARRISBURG — The Center for Rural Pennsylvania Board of Directors, alongside the Pennsylvania Rural Population Revitalization Commission, held an inaugural press conference at the Erie Crossroads Conference Center at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg.

POTTSVILLE, PA - Today, the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Robert S. Carl, Jr. made the following statement regarding Governor Shapiro’s 2025-26 State Budget Proposal.

“On behalf of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce, and the 59 other local chambers and economic development organizations in our child care coalition, we are deeply grateful to Governor Shapiro for addressing the child care teacher crisis by including $55 million in the 2025-26 budget proposal to provide funds to licensed child care providers for teacher recruitment and retention. By addressing the teacher shortage, we can keep high-quality child care centers open, enable parents who want to work rejoin the workforce, and support employers in retaining their staff and building their talent pipelines.” 

The Growth Factor - Episode: 60 Strong YouTube - Episode - 60 Strong FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce Contact: Samantha Chivinski Phone: 570-622-1942 Email: schivinski@schuylkillchamber.com Growing coalition of 60 ...

• Access to quality child care is crucial for economic growth and small business sustainability, reducing employee absenteeism and boosting productivity.
• Employers, including big brands like Patagonia, are finding innovative ways to offer childcare solutions, enhancing hiring and retention.
• Small businesses can support childcare by partnering with local centers, offering discounts, or supporting community programs, benefiting families and the economy.
• Investing in childcare creates jobs within the sector, stimulates local economies, and fosters a sense of community.
• Offering childcare support can lead to long-term savings for businesses by reducing turnover and fostering a more dedicated workforce, making it an economic imperative.

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Pennsylvania employers already pay some of the highest UC taxes in the entire country to finance one of the nation's more generous unemployment systems. These benefits are meant to help Pennsylvanians who lose their jobs through no fault of their own while they search for other employment; extending them to individuals who voluntarily participate in a work stoppage is wildly inappropriate.