Senate Approves Bill to Increase Transparency and Accountability of Taxpayer-Funded Childcare Programs

HARRISBURG - Legislation to strengthen oversight of Pennsylvania's taxpayer-funded childcare programs was approved by the Senate, according to Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20), who supported the measure.

"Pennsylvania families deserve to know that taxpayer dollars are being spent responsibly and that the childcare programs serving their children are being held to the highest standards," Baker said. "This legislation increases transparency by requiring regular reporting on inspections, investigations, enforcement actions and financial oversight. Greater accountability helps protect children and ensures these critical resources are being used as intended."

Senate Bill 1372 would require the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to provide annual reports detailing inspections, investigations, enforcement actions and financial oversight activities related to childcare facilities and programs receiving public funding.

The reports would cover facility inspections, violations, complaints, investigations and enforcement actions. It would also require reporting on taxpayer-funded childcare payments, improper payments identified and efforts to recover misspent funds.

More than a billion taxpayer dollars are spent annually on childcare in Pennsylvania.

Senate Bill 1372 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.