Governor's budget proposal for OCDEL programs, 2011-2012

On March 8, Governor Corbett presented his budget proposal for fiscal year 2011-2012 to the General Assembly. You can view his address and download the Executive Budget on the Governor's website.

Facing a more than $4 billion deficit, this budget proposal cuts government spending by three percent, most of which is done by consolidating programs, targeting inefficiencies and reducing or eliminating discretionary financial grants. It maintains, and in some cases expands, programs to protect its people and provide services, including care for the commonwealth's neediest citizens, supporting our State Police and military troops as well as making schools safer for our children.

As Governor Corbett stated in his budget address, "this budget sorts the must-haves from the nice-to-haves."

In light of these fiscal challenges, Pennsylvania recognizes the value of providing our young children (especially our most vulnerable) with quality early learning opportunities.

In FY 2011-2012, Pennsylvania will:

Serve additional families in:

• Early Intervention – Expanding to reach 84,100 children (35,300 infants and toddlers and 48,800 preschoolers) by adding 915 infants and toddlers and 1,500 preschoolers.

Sustain progress in:

• Child Care Works Subsidized Child Care Program – Sustaining to reach approximately 135,000 children (monthly average).
• Keystone STARS – Sustaining higher quality early learning opportunities for nearly 173,000 children and making it possible for programs to achieve higher STAR levels.
• Nurse-Family Partnership –Sustaining to reach more than 4,600 children and families.
• Head Start Supplemental – Sustaining services to approximately 5,500 children.
• Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts – Sustaining services to approximately 11,500 children.

To download OCDEL's budget one-pager, powerpoint and proposed funding chart, visit the PA Keys website.