Lycoming News

MAR LIN – The May edition of the local TV program hosted by Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) shed light on the crucial importance of quality childcare for families and employees in Pennsylvania. The program highlighted a bipartisan public hearing organized by the Center for Rural Pennsylvania at the Schuylkill County Technology Center – South Campus, where state legislators, local business leaders, and childcare professionals gathered.

"Quality childcare is a necessity not just for families in our area, but across Pennsylvania," emphasized Sen. Dave Argall during the hearing. "Strong Pre-K education programs help parents return to and remain in the workforce. As the chair of the Senate Education Committee, I will continue to support the dedicated teachers and childcare professionals who do this important work, day in and day out."

In a recent press conference, Sen. Argall, along with a coalition of state and federal legislators, after-school directors, and school district administrators, advocated for the continued funding of the SHINE and ACHIEVE after school programs in northeast Pennsylvania. These programs, serving nearly 2,000 children, faced funding denial from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

"If we do not receive concrete assurances from Education Secretary Dr. Khalid Mumin or the Governor’s office that these programs will be funded, I have a new gavel as the Chairman of the Senate Education Committee and I know how to use it," stated Sen. Argall. "Public hearings will be convened to demand a solution. The thousands of children who will soon lose access to these proven educational programs deserve nothing less."

The upcoming edition of the Argall Report, addressing these critical childcare and education issues, will be aired on local TV stations and is also accessible online at https://www.senatorargall.com/argallreport/.

For further information, individuals can reach out to Jim Brugger.