PRESS RELEASES & ADVISORIES

Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children (PPC) released a report today in its role as a principal partner of the Pre-K for PA Campaign that commends Pennsylvania for making increased state investments in publicly funded, high-quality pre-k but highlighting that the commonwealth is lagging behind many other states, including economic competitors, in its per capita investment.

Governor Tom Wolf and First Lady Frances Wolf were joined today by preschoolers from Harrisburg-area pre-kindergarten centers and members of the Pre-K for PA campaign for an Easter Egg Hunt at the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg. During the event, the Governor reiterated his commitment to investing in high-quality early childhood education.

Pittsburgh Steelers legend Franco Harris and four-time Olympic medalist wrestler Bruce Baumgartner helped release a new report from the nonprofit Champions for America’s Future entitled, “High-Quality Early Education Can Help Kids Win the Academic ‘Medal Race.’”

While pre-k advocates and legislators show their continued support for pre-k expansion by trying their hand at a life-sized Chutes & Ladders game in the East Wing Rotunda today, the Pre-K for PA Campaign expressed its disappointment with Governor Tom Wolf stepping back on his commitment for meaningful pre-k expansion from his list of “must haves” in the final 2016-17 state budget agreement.

Hundreds of Pennsylvanians are waging a campaign to ensure pre-k is a top priority at the 2016-17 budget-negotiating table. The letters from military leaders, philanthropic groups, CEOs and citizens urge the Pennsylvania legislature and the governor to expand access to thousands of at-risk kids in the final 2016-17 budget.

As priorities in the 2016-17 fiscal year budget negotiations are being identified in Harrisburg, Pre-K for PA provider Jolly Toddlers celebrated the end of the school year alongside PA State Representative Frank Farry today.