Help For Childcare Bill Backed By Chesco Lawmaker

WASHINGTON, D.C. —State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, a Chester County Democrat, said Thursday she was honored to join legislators from around the country at the White House to discuss the childcare crisis.

The roundtable discussion on Wednesday featured 75 representatives from 41 states highlighting legislation and state programs that are working to help families find quality care and make ends meet.

First Lady Dr. Jill Biden welcomed the lawmakers to the White House.

Biden spoke about a woman who came to a college class she was teaching with her 4-year-old.

"Her childcare fell through," Biden said. "I've seen so many versions of this."

Biden said she sees how childcare is a critical piece of strengthening our workforce and advocates providing additional, high-quality childcare.

Biden thanked the state lawmakers for supporting improved childcare.

Shusterman, a Chester County Democrat, joined state Rep. Jennifer O’Mara of Delaware County and state Sen. Judy Schwank of Berks County to discuss child care with legislators from all four corners of the United States.

“I have always been committed to helping working families,” Shusterman said. “It is reassuring to know that state legislators, trying to help families move forward, have the support at the highest level of our government.”

Childcare Bill In PA

Shusterman co-sponsored state House Bill 1259 with state Rep. Tina Davis, a Bucks County Democrat, which would help families ease the burden of childcare costs through an expansion of the Pennsylvania Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit Program.

The program provides a stepped, yearly increase to the tax credit eligible individuals can claim.

The bill passed the House with a bipartisan 141-62 vote on June 12.

It awaits action in the Senate Finance Committee.