Last Thursday, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry released a set of policy recommendations aimed at improving childcare access, a key factor in Pennsylvania’s workforce challenges.

With 340,000 open jobs and only 66 available workers for every 100 job openings, the state’s labor participation rate lags the national average. Business leaders say a lack of affordable, high-quality childcare is keeping many parents from re-entering the workforce.

The PA Chamber’s recommendations focus on tackling staffing shortages, reducing costs, and addressing regulatory hurdles to help childcare providers operate more efficiently. The plan was developed in partnership with employers, local chambers, and childcare advocates across the state.

Business and community leaders welcomed the initiative, saying it’s a much-needed step toward making childcare more accessible for working families—and helping Pennsylvania’s economy grow.

For more details on the PA Chamber’s childcare policy agenda, click here.