Report Urges PA Lawmakers to Boost Economic Security for Families

New research highlights how early investments in healthcare, education, housing, and financial support can improve long-term outcomes for children.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A new report from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia PolicyLab is urging policymakers in Pennsylvania to increase economic security for families through investments in key areas like healthcare, education, housing, and financial assistance. The report found that nearly half of U.S. children experience poverty before kindergarten, and three out of five grow up in families struggling to make ends meet. The researchers say early interventions in these policy domains can significantly change a child's life trajectory.

Why it matters

The report highlights how economic hardship peaks during pregnancy and infancy, a critical time for child development. By boosting family economic security through programs like Medicaid, tax credits, and childcare assistance, policymakers can improve short- and long-term outcomes for children's health and well-being.

The details

The report, produced in partnership with the Maternity Care Coalition, Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, and Children First, examined 10 different policy areas that can impact family economic security. The researchers found many of these programs, like Medicaid and nutrition assistance, already exist in Pennsylvania and must be protected and expanded. They emphasized that these interventions are likely most effective when combined to provide comprehensive support for families.

  • The report was released on February 25, 2026.

The players

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia PolicyLab

A research institute that produces evidence-based policy recommendations to improve child and family health and well-being.

Rebecka Rosenquist

The deputy director of policy and strategy for the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia PolicyLab and a co-author of the report.

Maternity Care Coalition

A Pennsylvania-based organization that led the partnership behind the report, focusing on maternal and child health.

Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children

A statewide child advocacy organization that collaborated on the report.

Children First

A Pennsylvania-based nonprofit that works to improve outcomes for children and families, and was part of the report partnership.

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What they’re saying

“We looked across 10 policy domains and looked at what the research evidence can tell us about the impact of those policy areas on specifically in pregnancy and early childhood.”

— Rebecka Rosenquist, Deputy Director of Policy and Strategy, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia PolicyLab

“Medicaid is one of those, and it has incredible long-term outcomes. It's really important that we don't lose sight of Medicaid as a critical piece of families having economic security and having access to the health care that they need.”

— Rebecka Rosenquist, Deputy Director of Policy and Strategy, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia PolicyLab

What’s next

The report's authors hope the findings will encourage Pennsylvania lawmakers to prioritize and protect key economic security programs for families, especially Medicaid, as they consider future policy decisions.

The takeaway

This report underscores how strategic investments in family economic security, through a range of policy interventions, can significantly improve long-term health and well-being outcomes for children. By maintaining and expanding access to critical programs like Medicaid, policymakers in Pennsylvania have an opportunity to support the state's youngest residents during their most formative years.