States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
Pa. Treasurer Stacy Garrity Announces New Way to Give the Gift of Education This Holiday Season
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Dec. 2 -- The Pennsylvania Treasurer issued the following news release on Dec. 1, 2025:
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Treasurer Stacy Garrity Announces New Way to Give the Gift of Education this Holiday Season
Gift of College gift cards now available to make contributions to PA 529 and PA ABLE accounts
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Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity today announced a new partnership between the Pennsylvania Treasury Department and Gift of College that provides family and friends the ability to purchase gift cards for loved ones in their life to support their savings through the PA 529 College and
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Dec. 2 -- The Pennsylvania Treasurer issued the following news release on Dec. 1, 2025:
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Treasurer Stacy Garrity Announces New Way to Give the Gift of Education this Holiday Season
Gift of College gift cards now available to make contributions to PA 529 and PA ABLE accounts
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Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity today announced a new partnership between the Pennsylvania Treasury Department and Gift of College that provides family and friends the ability to purchase gift cards for loved ones in their life to support their savings through the PA 529 College andCareer Savings Program and the PA ABLE Savings Program.
"I'm excited to expand the ways families can save and encourage others to take part in their savings journey through the Gift of College program. Providing the option for digital gift card purchases for contributions to PA 529 and PA ABLE is a new, simple and fun way to give the gift of education and more to Pennsylvanians this holiday season."
- Pennsylvania State Treasurer Stacy Garrity
"We are thrilled that gift cards for PA 529 and PA ABLE accounts are now available throughout the great Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Every gift given is a contribution toward a brighter future."
- Wayne Weber, Gift of College, CEO
Gift of College provides an easy way to give meaningful monetary gifts to loved ones at any time. Gift of College gift cards can be redeemed directly into PA 529 and PA ABLE accounts and are now available for purchase online at pa529.com/gift and paable.gov/gift.
The PA 529 College and Career Savings Program allows families to steadily and strategically save in a tax-advantaged way for qualifying educational expenses no matter what career path a child may take. Saving with PA 529 does not impact a student's eligibility for PA state financial aid.
Families can choose from the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP) or Morningstar Gold-Rated PA 529 Investment Plan (IP). The PA 529 IP recently earned its third consecutive Gold Rating from Morningstar, maintaining the program's status as a top-five 529 plan in the country.
PA ABLE Savings Program accounts provide a tax-advantaged way to save for qualified disability expenses without impacting important benefits. No federal or state income tax is paid on PA ABLE account growth or withdrawals when used for qualified expenses.
Starting in January 2026, PA ABLE eligibility is expanding so eligible individuals of any age can open a PA ABLE account if their disability occurred before age 46.
In addition to Gift of College gift cards, PA 529 and PA ABLE account owners can continue to share their unique Ugift codes with loved ones who wish to help them save in their accounts.
To learn more about Gift of College and Ugift contributions for PA 529 and PA ABLE, visit pa529.com/gift and paable.gov/gift.
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Original text here: https://www.patreasury.gov/newsroom/archive/2025/12-01-GOC.html
Pa. Conservation & Natural Resources Dept.: Shapiro Administration Launches Master Planning Survey for Presque Isle State Park Complex
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Dec. 2 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources issued the following news on Dec. 1, 2025:
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Shapiro Administration Launches Master Planning Survey for Presque Isle State Park Complex
An updated master plan will guide the future of the complex, which includes Presque Isle and Erie Bluffs state parks, and the Tom Ridge Environmental Center.
Admission to State Parks in the Presque Isle State Park Complex and across the Commonwealth are free to the public.
Pennsylvania's 124 state parks are free and open to the public.
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Erie, PA - The
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Dec. 2 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources issued the following news on Dec. 1, 2025:
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Shapiro Administration Launches Master Planning Survey for Presque Isle State Park Complex
An updated master plan will guide the future of the complex, which includes Presque Isle and Erie Bluffs state parks, and the Tom Ridge Environmental Center.
Admission to State Parks in the Presque Isle State Park Complex and across the Commonwealth are free to the public.
Pennsylvania's 124 state parks are free and open to the public.
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Erie, PA - TheShapiro Administration is seeking public input to help shape the next 25 years of the Presque Isle State Park Complex in Erie County.
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is updating the Master Plan for the Presque Isle State Park Complex, which includes Presque Isle State Park, the Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC), and Erie Bluffs State Park. As the project begins, DCNR is gathering background information, conducting studies and analysis of the parks, and beginning community engagement on future plans.
"We see an average of 4 million visits to Presque Isle and Erie Bluffs each year and we know these are special places for the region and beyond," said State Parks Director John Hallas. "Public participation is key to this process, and we are eager to hear from the public to help shape the future of these wonderful conservation spaces."
The master plan will serve as a roadmap for the next 25 years, ensuring a thoughtful balance of natural resource protection and recreational opportunities throughout the park complex. DCNR uses the plan to evaluate current facilities, identify future needs, and recommend improvements that align with community values and conservation goals.
Your input matters
As part of this process, DCNR invites the public to take a 10-minute digital survey to share their experiences, priorities, and ideas for the parks. Survey responses will directly inform and guide the planning process. Those wishing to respond to the survey can also use the QR code below:
After the public survey closes, DCNR will host public engagement meetings, with the first scheduled for late winter 2026 - date and location to be announced. These sessions will provide opportunities to learn more about the project, ask questions, and contribute feedback.
For updates, announcements, and opportunities to get involved, visit the Presque Isle State Park Complex master planning website.
Governor Josh Shapiro's 2025-26 budget includes a $13 million increase for DCNR, continuing a commitment to safe and accessible parks and outdoor experiences and the addition of Pennsylvania's 125th state park in 2026, as well as providing $5 million for welcoming visitors to Pennsylvania's 12 heritage areas now facing federal funding cuts. Investments in protecting forests and resilient landscapes include $4.5 million for combatting invasive pests and plants.
Featuring Pennsylvania's only "seashore," Presque Isle offers its visitors a beautiful coastline and many recreational activities, including swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, bicycling, and in-line skating.
The Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC) is an educational center dedicated to teaching visitors about the unique 3,200 acres of Presque Isle and the many different forms of life that inhabit the peninsula. The center also serves as a center for research - contributing to conservation efforts and promoting environmental awareness, helping to preserve the unparalleled beauty of Presque Isle.
Erie Bluffs is a 587-acre state park known for its forested wetlands, Great Lakes region sand barren ecosystems, 90-foot bluffs overlooking Lake Erie, and Elk Creek, which provides excellent steelhead fishing opportunities.
Visit DCNR's website for more information about state parks and check out DCNR's Calendar of Events for events on public lands.
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/newsroom/shapiro-administration-launches-master-planning-survey-for-presq
N.J. Division of Consumer Affairs' Undercover Enforcement Operations Result in Notices of Violations Against 18 Unregistered Home Improvement Contractor Businesses and 11 Unlicensed Moving Companies
TRENTON, New Jersey, Dec. 2 -- New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin issued the following news release on Dec. 1, 2025:
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Division of Consumer Affairs' Undercover Enforcement Operations Result in Notices of Violations Against 18 Unregistered Home Improvement Contractor Businesses and 11 Unlicensed Moving Companies
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin today announced that undercover enforcement operations carried out by the Division of Consumer Affairs ("Division") resulted in Notices of Violation ("NOVs") and civil penalties against 18 home improvement contractor businesses ("HICBs")
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TRENTON, New Jersey, Dec. 2 -- New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin issued the following news release on Dec. 1, 2025:
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Division of Consumer Affairs' Undercover Enforcement Operations Result in Notices of Violations Against 18 Unregistered Home Improvement Contractor Businesses and 11 Unlicensed Moving Companies
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin today announced that undercover enforcement operations carried out by the Division of Consumer Affairs ("Division") resulted in Notices of Violation ("NOVs") and civil penalties against 18 home improvement contractor businesses ("HICBs")and 11 moving companies allegedly doing business in New Jersey without the required registrations or licenses.
Operation Safe House, a three-day enforcement sting carried out in Manchester Township, resulted in NOVs and $2,500 civil penalties against 18 home improvement contractor businesses ("HICBs") soliciting work without being registered with the Division or with registrations that have expired. Similarly, Operation Safe Move, a two-day enforcement sting carried out in in Hamilton Township (Mercer County), resulted in NOVs and $5,000 civil penalties against 11 moving companies doing business without being licensed by the Division.
Regulated businesses in New Jersey, which include HICBs and public movers, are required to be registered or licensed by the Division and are subject to regulations aimed at protecting consumers from unlawful business practices and maintaining fair competition within their industries. These regulations require, among other things, that businesses carry general liability insurance.
"Businesses should never take advantage of hardworking New Jerseyans. Unfortunately, businesses operating without a proper license or registration pose a risk to consumers through potential poor service quality, property damage, and a lack of legal recourse should something go wrong," said Attorney General Platkin. "By proactively identifying and taking enforcement action against these businesses, we're reducing the risks to consumers and sending the message that this unlawful conduct will not be tolerated."
"Companies doing business in New Jersey must follow the law and adhere to all regulations that protect consumers from deceptive or unfair practices," said Elizabeth M. Harris, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. "As these undercover enforcement actions demonstrate, businesses caught trying to circumvent these laws will be held accountable."
Operation Safe House
Operation Safe House was carried out by Division investigators posing as individuals seeking to "flip" an unoccupied single-family house in Manchester Township. Reaching out to numerous HICBs that were advertising services despite having an expired registration or never having obtained a registration, investigators asked the HICBs to come to the house and provide estimates for a variety of interior and exterior projects, including roofing, siding, fencing, kitchen and bath renovations, and flooring installation. Over the course of the three-day operation, which began on October 20, 2025, the contractors appeared at the Manchester location to determine the scope of work. HICBs that submitted bids were cited for soliciting home improvement work without having an active HICB registration.
The HICBs cited are:
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[View table in the link at bottom.]
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Operation Safe Move
Operation Safe Move was carried out by Division investigators posing as consumers seeking to move their belongings from one location to another within New Jersey. The investigators identified numerous unlicensed movers advertising online and hired them for a "move." Over the course of the two-day operation, which began on October 15, 2025, movers hired by the investigators appeared at the Hamilton location expecting to find a storage facility full of items to transport and were instead met by a team of Division investigators seeking verification of licensure. Also awaiting the movers were members of the New Jersey State Police ("NJSP") Mobile Safe Freight Unit, who conducted motor vehicle safety inspections on their trucks.
The moving companies cited are:
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[View table in the link at bottom.]
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Additionally, during the operation, inspections conducted by the NJSP Mobile Safe Freight Unit found 45 motor vehicle safety violations.
Unlicensed movers have been known to hold truckloads of property hostage for months until customers agree to pay exorbitant price increases--or worse, disappear with the property altogether. Finding these rogue operators once they disappear is extremely difficult when consumers cannot be sure who they are or where they are located. Even if unlicensed movers do not engage in predatory behavior, there is a good chance they are not carrying adequate insurance to cover losses or damages incurred during the move, which could leave consumers responsible for those costs.
To increase public awareness about the importance of hiring licensed movers, the Division has created a new program offering licensed moving companies free bumper stickers that read: Don't Trust Your Possessions to Unlicensed Movers...Check My License at: MyMoversNJ.gov. The stickers, to be applied to fleet trucks used by licensed movers, are a reminder that checking a company's licensure is an important step in the moving process.
Before hiring a mover, read more important tips available on the Division's website at www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/News/Consumer%20Briefs/public-movers-and-warehousemen.pdf.
Investigators from the Division's Office of Consumer Protection conducted these investigations. Investigators with the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs assisted in Operation Safe House.
Consumers who believe they have been cheated or scammed by a business, or suspect any other form of consumer abuse, can file a complaint with the State Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its website or by calling 1-800-242-5846 (toll free within New Jersey) or 973-504-6200.
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/division-of-consumer-affairs-undercover-enforcement-operations-result-in-notices-of-violations-against-18-unregistered-home-improvement-contractor-businesses-and-11-unlicensed-moving-companies/
N.C. Health Dept.: North Carolina Launches Children and Families Specialty Health Plan
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Dec. 2 -- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services issued the following news release on Dec. 1, 2025:
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North Carolina Launches Children and Families Specialty Health Plan
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced the launch of the Children and Families Specialty Plan (CFSP), a first of its kind statewide health plan to ensure access to comprehensive physical and mental health services for Medicaid-enrolled children, youth and young adults currently and formerly served by the child welfare system. With approval from
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RALEIGH, North Carolina, Dec. 2 -- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services issued the following news release on Dec. 1, 2025:
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North Carolina Launches Children and Families Specialty Health Plan
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced the launch of the Children and Families Specialty Plan (CFSP), a first of its kind statewide health plan to ensure access to comprehensive physical and mental health services for Medicaid-enrolled children, youth and young adults currently and formerly served by the child welfare system. With approval fromand at the direction of the North Carolina General Assembly and in partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC), the CFSP went live on Dec. 1, 2025. The name of the plan is Healthy Blue Care Together.
"The Children and Families Specialty Plan is another example of NC Medicaid's innovative efforts to provide seamless, integrated, and coordinated care to some of the state's most at-risk people," said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. "This plan ensures there is a unified system of care and accountability when it comes to improving the wellbeing of children living with the most complex challenges."
Supporting children and families served by the child welfare system requires close coordination across multiple systems and partners to ensure we are actively prioritizing family preservation through permanency planning and reunification efforts. Children and families served by the child welfare system often found it challenging to navigate the bifurcated health care system. As a single, statewide health plan, the CFSP is designed to support this population by providing seamless, coordinated access to a full range of physical health, mental health, pharmacy, non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), long term services and supports (LTSS), and other value added benefits regardless of their geographic location.
Upon launch, approximately 32,000 current and former children in foster care, youth, and young adults under age 26, and their minor children were automatically enrolled in the CFSP. The CFSP provides comprehensive coverage for all services provided by the Standard Plan in addition to most Tailored Plan services, such as 1915(i) Home and Community-Based Services and enhanced behavioral health and residential services. It also includes a broad range of mental health services such as outpatient therapy, inpatient treatment, and crisis and therapeutic residential options for children. Additionally, the CFSP is responsible for addressing unmet health-related resource needs, including housing, food, transportation, and interpersonal violence. The plan also covers pharmacy, long term services and supports and Intellectual/ Developmental Disability (I/DD) services.
Unfortunately, NC Medicaid has had to implement provider rate cuts due to the funding shortfall from the North Carolina General Assembly for Medicaid rebase. The cuts are devastating to people, providers and communities that rely on NC Medicaid but without additional funding from the General Assembly, they were unavoidable. If the NCGA full funds Medicaid, NCDHHS will reevaluate all cuts and take action to reverse or modify the cuts to ensure NC Medicaid can operate within the appropriated budget. The CFSP was part of Session Law 2023-134 and funded by the existing Medicaid budget.
The CFSP is one of several initiatives NCDHHS is implementing to improve the health and well-being of children and families in North Carolina. Among these are a package of services to prevent children from remaining in inappropriate settings like emergency departments and DSS offices while providing additional support for them and their families. For more information about services for children and families involved in the child welfare system, please see the white paper titled Transforming Child Welfare in North Carolina: A Unified Vision for Children and Families (https://www.ncdhhs.gov/transforming-child-welfare-white-paper/open).
For information about the CFSP, please visit the Children and Families Specialty Plan webpage (https://medicaid.ncdhhs.gov/beneficiaries/children-and-families-specialty-plan).
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Original text here: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/2025/12/01/north-carolina-launches-children-and-families-specialty-health-plan
MDC Partners With Mineral Area College to Replace Invasive Bradford Pears With Native Trees
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Dec. 2 -- The Missouri Department of Conservation issued the following news on Dec. 1, 2025:
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MDC partners with Mineral Area College to replace invasive Bradford pears with native trees
PARK HILLS, Mo. - The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and Mineral Area College (MAC) have completed a project to remove invasive Bradford pear trees on campus and replace them with native species, improving habitat and long-term landscape health.
More than 80 Bradford pear trees were removed along the main campus drive and surrounding median areas this past fall. In their
... Show Full Article
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Dec. 2 -- The Missouri Department of Conservation issued the following news on Dec. 1, 2025:
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MDC partners with Mineral Area College to replace invasive Bradford pears with native trees
PARK HILLS, Mo. - The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and Mineral Area College (MAC) have completed a project to remove invasive Bradford pear trees on campus and replace them with native species, improving habitat and long-term landscape health.
More than 80 Bradford pear trees were removed along the main campus drive and surrounding median areas this past fall. In theirplace, 42 native trees were planted to support local pollinators, wildlife, and the natural character of Missouri's landscape. The work also included staking, mulching, and initial watering to help the new trees establish successfully.
"This project is a great example of how communities can take meaningful steps to improve local habitat," said MDC Priority Habitat Specialist Julie Norris. "By removing invasive Bradford pears and planting native trees, MAC is helping restore natural diversity on campus while supporting the insects and wildlife that depend on native species. We hope this inspires others to make similar changes in their own communities."
The effort was supported through MDC's community conservation programs, which assist local partners in removing invasive plants and restoring native habitat. Funding also allowed the college to purchase equipment to support ongoing watering and maintenance of the new trees.
Bradford pear trees are considered invasive in Missouri because they spread aggressively and outcompete native vegetation. MDC encourages communities, landowners, and organizations to replace Bradford pears with native trees that provide better ecological benefits and are well adapted to Missouri's climate.
This project highlights how local partnerships can make a positive impact on conservation while creating healthier, more sustainable community spaces.
For more information about invasive plants and recommended native tree alternatives, visit mdc.mo.gov.
Learn more about community conservation opportunities with MDC online at https://mdc.mo.gov/community-conservation.
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Original text here: https://mdc.mo.gov/newsroom/mdc-partners-mineral-area-college-replace-invasive-bradford-pears-native-trees
In Allegheny County, Pa. Gov. Shapiro, Lt. Gov. Davis, Child Care Workers and Legislators Highlight New Child Care Recruitment & Retention Bonuses Secured in the 2025-26 Budget
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Dec. 2 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on Dec. 1, 2025:
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In Allegheny County, Governor Shapiro, Lt. Governor Davis, Child Care Workers and Legislators Highlight New Child Care Recruitment & Retention Bonuses Secured in the 2025-26 Budget
The 2025-26 budget signed by Governor Shapiro creates a new $25 million Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program to support 55,000 child care workers statewide.
By providing $450 bonuses to staff at licensed Child Care Works providers, the Governor is strengthening the child care
... Show Full Article
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Dec. 2 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on Dec. 1, 2025:
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In Allegheny County, Governor Shapiro, Lt. Governor Davis, Child Care Workers and Legislators Highlight New Child Care Recruitment & Retention Bonuses Secured in the 2025-26 Budget
The 2025-26 budget signed by Governor Shapiro creates a new $25 million Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program to support 55,000 child care workers statewide.
By providing $450 bonuses to staff at licensed Child Care Works providers, the Governor is strengthening the child careworkforce and expanding access to care for Pennsylvania families.
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Verona, PA - Today, Governor Josh Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis joined child care workers, legislators, and community leaders at Riverview Children's Center in Allegheny County to highlight child care investments secured in the 2025-26 budget the Governor signed last month. These investments will help Pennsylvania recruit and retain child care workers, expand access to quality care, and ensure more parents can stay in the workforce and provide for their families.
Pennsylvania's child care industry currently has 3,000 unfilled jobs -- openings that, if filled, would allow providers to serve 25,000 additional children. Providers continue to struggle with low wages that make it hard to hire and retain qualified staff, forcing them to close classrooms and turn families away.
To address workforce shortages and expand child care availability, the 2025-26 budget establishes a $25 million Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program, which will provide roughly $450 annually per employee to licensed Child Care Works (CCW) providers. These bonuses will support approximately 55,000 child care workers statewide and help stabilize the child care sector.
"When parents can't find affordable, reliable care, they can't work -- and our entire economy feels it," said Governor Shapiro. "We've taken real action to lower costs by tripling the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit for nearly 219,000 working families, but affordability isn't enough -- we also have to expand access. That's why we're making investments to help child care centers hire and retain talented educators. These bonuses will help strengthen the workforce, open more slots for children, and make sure families across Pennsylvania can find the care they need."
The budget also invests an additional $7.5 million for Pre-K Counts to help providers raise wages and stabilize the early educator workforce, along with a $10 million increase for Early Intervention services to support families with children experiencing developmental delays.
"Serving as co-chair of the Governor's Early Learning Investment Commission -- I hear firsthand how essential quality child care is to Pennsylvania's families and our economy," said Lt. Governor Davis. "Over the past year, we heard directly from business leaders -- who made clear that child care is workforce infrastructure. Employers need it, parents depend on it, and our economy grows when families have reliable, affordable care. We also heard from child care workers who spoke about what these investments mean for them. One worker told us that these investments show their work has value -- and she's right. These educators care for our most precious resource: our children. That's why Governor Shapiro and I fought to include child care investments in the final budget."
In addition to child care investments, the Governor's new Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit (WPTC) -- created in the 2025-26 budget -- will deliver $193 million in tax relief to 940,000 working Pennsylvanians beginning next tax season. Modeled after the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, the new state-level credit equals 10 percent of the federal benefit. Anyone who qualifies for the federal EITC will now automatically receive both credits, reducing taxes owed and putting more money back into the pockets of hardworking Pennsylvanians.
Building on the Shapiro Administration's Record of Child Care Affordability
These new investments build on Governor Shapiro's progress since taking office to make child care more affordable, accessible, and available, including when his first two budgets:
* Expanded the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit: In December 2023, Governor Shapiro signed into law a major expansion of the credit, increasing Pennsylvania's match from 30 percent to 100 percent of the federal credit. The maximum benefit rose from $630 to $2,100 per family -- and last year, this expansion delivered $136.5 million to 218,953 working families.
* Created the Employer Child Care Contribution Tax Credit: In the FY2024-25 budget, the Governor secured a new credit encouraging employers to contribute to workers' child care expenses. Employers can claim a tax credit for up to 30 percent of eligible contributions, capped at $500 per employee -- helping businesses support working parents and strengthening the workforce.
* Secured nearly $117 million across his first two budgets for Child Care Works, helping up to 80,000 low-income families access subsidized care each year.
* Increased investments in early childhood education, including $15 million more for Pre-K Counts and a $2.7 million boost for Head Start.
Today's event was held at Riverview Children's Center (RCC), a Pennsylvania Department of Human Services-licensed, four-star Keystone STARS early learning center that has served families since 1979. As one of the region's first National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)-accredited programs, RCC now serves about 154 children from infancy through school age and employs 32 educators. With blended funding from Pre-K Counts, CCW, and private pay, RCC operates five pre-K classrooms, provides before- and after-school programming for the Riverview School District, and runs a 10-week summer camp. About 15 percent of RCC's annual revenue comes from CCW, making state investments essential to sustaining high-quality early learning and child care for local families.
"We are honored to welcome Governor Shapiro to RCC as we highlight the critical importance of Pennsylvania's early child care workforce," said Stephanie Heakins, Director of RCC. "As a working mother, I know firsthand how essential high-quality early education and dedicated educators are -- not only for our children's development, but for the stability and success of families across the Commonwealth. At RCC, we are deeply committed to providing high-equity care so every child, no matter their background, begins with the strong foundation they deserve. Our educators embody that mission every day, and this center shows what's possible when we invest in the people who make early learning work. Governor Shapiro, thank you for your leadership and for recognizing the profound impact early educators have on our communities."
"Ninety percent of brain development happens in a child's first five years -- and every dollar invested in high-quality early child care and education yields a $14 return on investment," said Leah Lisowski, a teacher at RCC. "The potential of this new era for early childhood education is incredibly exciting, especially for the hardworking, talented, and deeply committed educators who have dedicated their careers to our youngest learners. People often say we're the workforce behind the workforce -- and it's true. I'm hopeful that this new budget investment marks a real step toward addressing the chronically low wages that have held this field back. Every child in Pennsylvania deserves access to high-quality early learning, and every educator deserves fair compensation for the vital work they do every day."
With the 2025-26 budget signed into law, the Shapiro Administration will implement the Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program and deliver bonuses to eligible workers later this fiscal year.
"Governor Shapiro's leadership has been exceptionally strong -- not just on child care recruitment and retention bonuses, but across the entire education conversation," said Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa. "The Governor fought to protect adequacy funding, strengthen special education, and build on our work to make life more affordable for families across the Commonwealth. We've delivered meaningful child care and dependent care support not just once, but two years in a row -- and this year, we're building on that progress with a new state-level Earned Income Tax Credit that will help nearly a million Pennsylvanians save more than $193 million. At a time when so many families are confronting real affordability challenges, these investments matter."
"This $25 million investment is a first step in recognizing that child care workers are the keystone of Pennsylvania's workforce," said Senator Lindsey Williams. "They allow our working families to get to work themselves, knowing that their children are safe, happy, cared for, and learning throughout the day. I'm proud to have partnered with the Shapiro Administration to get the Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program into the FY2025-26 budget, and I look forward to working to expand it in the future."
"Child care can feel like a second mortgage for many families," said Representative Joe McAndrew. "That's why it's so important to continue bringing resources and investment into the child care space year after year -- to ease the burden on working families, ensure quality staff are in these critical roles, and deliver meaningful support where it's needed most. Year after year, I get to come back to this community and share what we are delivering -- and we're able to do that thanks to the leadership of Governor Shapiro."
Governor Shapiro's 2025-26 budget will build on the foundation the Shapiro Administration has constructed over the past two years and move Pennsylvania forward as the Governor continues working across the aisle to get stuff done and ensure people across the Commonwealth have the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed.
Read more about Governor Shapiro's 2025 26 budget, view the Governor's final budget remarks as prepared here (https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2025-press-releases/governor-shapiro-remarks-as-prepared-during-2025-26-budget-signi), or watch the Governor's delivered remarks here (https://pacast.com/m?p=28625).
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2025-press-releases/in-allegheny-gov-shapiro--lt--gov--workers--legislators-highligh
ABOR and Valley Suns Team Up to Boost FAFSA Completion
PHOENIX, Arizona, Dec. 2 -- The Arizona Board of Regents issued the following news release on Dec. 1, 2025:
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ABOR and Valley Suns team up to boost FAFSA completion
Class of 2026 high school seniors that complete the FAFSA can receive four free Valley Suns tickets to an upcoming game.
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The Arizona Board of Regents and the Valley Suns, the NBA G League affiliate of the Phoenix Suns, are joining forces to inspire Arizona's Class of 2026 to take the next step toward college, while also enjoying a slam-dunk night out at Mullett Arena.
As part of the statewide push to increase Free Application
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, Dec. 2 -- The Arizona Board of Regents issued the following news release on Dec. 1, 2025:
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ABOR and Valley Suns team up to boost FAFSA completion
Class of 2026 high school seniors that complete the FAFSA can receive four free Valley Suns tickets to an upcoming game.
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The Arizona Board of Regents and the Valley Suns, the NBA G League affiliate of the Phoenix Suns, are joining forces to inspire Arizona's Class of 2026 to take the next step toward college, while also enjoying a slam-dunk night out at Mullett Arena.
As part of the statewide push to increase Free Applicationfor Federal Student Aid completions, Class of 2026 Arizona high school seniors who submit the 2026-27 FAFSA are eligible to receive four free tickets to a Valley Suns home game. To qualify, students must complete the FAFSA and meet all promotion guidelines. Students can submit for their tickets and receive additional tools, resources and college planning support by visiting CollegeReadyAZ.com.
Students can sign up here (https://collegereadyaz.com/fafsa-valley-suns/).
"Filling out the FAFSA isn't just about financial aid -- it's about opening doors to college and opportunity," said ABOR Chair Doug Goodyear. "We're excited to partner with the Valley Suns to help students stay in the game and advance toward their goals."
Each year, Arizona high school seniors leave more than $100 million in Pell Grants unclaimed simply by not applying for the FAFSA. Students who complete the FAFSA are 84% more likely to enroll in postsecondary education immediately after high school. For low-income students, FAFSA completion is linked to a 127% increase in immediate college enrollment.
Over the past five FAFSA cycles, Arizona ranked in the top 10 nationally in year-over-year FAFSA completion improvement. This includes the 2025-26 cycle, where the state met its 40% completion goal and ranked sixth nationally in year-over-year improvement. Building on that momentum, Gov. Katie Hobbs announced this cycle's statewide FAFSA completion goal of 48% for the Class of 2026 during the board's FAFSA and College Readiness Symposium earlier this year.
The partnership with the Valley Suns builds on ABOR's previous successful ticket incentive collaborations with the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Cactus League.
To ensure students and families have the tools, resources and additional support to help them complete the FAFSA, please visit ABOR's college readiness website CollegeReadyAZ.com. College Ready AZ makes it easy to plan, apply and prepare for college at one of Arizona's public universities.
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Original text here: https://www.azregents.edu/news-releases/abor-and-valley-suns-team-boost-fafsa-completion
