Catholic schools and childcare have been part of the educational landscape of our Commonwealth for hundreds of years. We have successfully operated in all parts of Pennsylvania, graduating millions of successful, conscientious citizens who continue to contribute to our society throughout their lives.
But did you know that a classic church-state struggle is underway in Pennsylvania regarding the authority of the state government to influence religious childcare ministries, including Catholic childcare? Click here to send a message in support of Catholic childcare!
Currently, the scope of the state Department of Public Welfare (DPW) authority would allow for a blank-check regulation of all aspects of a church’s pre-school teaching ministry, including curriculum.
Church-affiliated childcare facilities do not object to regulations relating to the health and safety of the children enrolled, but do object to direct or indirect regulation of program content, lesson plans, and staff qualifications. Simply put, we want to pursue our religious mission without unwarranted government intrusion.
Now is the time to bring this decades-long struggle to a resolution that honors the state’s commitment to one of our most essential freedoms, while explicitly reserving the state’s undisputed responsibility to protect the health and safety of children.
Senate Bill 1134 corrects this overreach – your legislator needs to hear from you in support of Senate Bill 1134 today! This important legislation passed the Senate Education Committee with a vote of 9-2. The following Senators voted in favor of the bill –
Browne, Patrick M. (R-Leigh, Monroe, Northampton)
Corman, Jake (R- Centre, Juniata, Mifflin, Perry, Union)
Dinniman, Andrew E. (D – Chester, Montgomery)
Folmer, Mike (R-Berks, Chester, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon)
Piccola, Jeffrey E. (R- Dauphin, York)
Scarnati, Joseph B., III (R – Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, McKean, Potter, Tioga, Warren)
Smucker, Lloyd K. (R-Lancaster, York)
Tomlinson, Robert M. (R- Bucks)
Williams, Anthony H. (D- Delaware, Philadelphia)
The rest of the Senate needs to hear from you, click on here to send a message! Thank you for your support of Senate Bill1134.
