Universal Pre-K

Policy Committee    March 3, 2026

HARRISBURG, March 3 – High-quality early childhood programs and pre-K are a public investment with the power to change life trajectories for multiple generations, testifiers noted at a PA House Majority Policy Committee hearing on universal pre-K. Testifiers noted working parents are struggling in Pennsylvania, and even middle-income families have difficulty paying for high-quality pre-K.  

• Host: Rep. Tarik Khan (D-Phila.), Rep. Sean Dougherty (D-Phila.)
• Testifiers:
  • Zaina Cahill- Early Childhood Education Policy Director, Children First PA
  • Otis Bullock- CEO, Greater Philadelphia Community Alliance
  • Benjamin Hover- Legislative Representative, Philadelphia Federation of Teachers

Agenda + Testimony

• Hearing agenda and testimony: Universal Pre-K

Media Release + News Coverage

• Universal Pre-K helps economy, children and parents, March 3, 2026
• Penn-Capital Star, State House Democrats: Pa. needs to prioritize universal pre-K, March 3, 2026
• MyChesCo, Pa. Lawmakers Weigh Universal Pre-K Plan Amid Workforce Concerns, March 4, 2026

Video + Photos

• Click here to view the entire hearing
• Click here to view photos of the hearing