Treasurer Garrity Announces Relief Funding for Children and Most Vulnerable Pennsylvanians

Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced today that the Pennsylvania Treasury Department will make $500 million available for Pennsylvania’s Head Start providers and county governments through a short-term, investment loan effort designed to ease the financial burden being faced by these entities, which serve Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable populations, due to the lack of an enacted state budget.

“Our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians, especially our children, should not suffer because of ongoing state budget negotiations in Harrisburg,” Treasurer Garrity said. “Pennsylvania’s taxpayers expect their hard-earned tax dollars to be put to work, not be put on hold. We should not stand by and watch Head Start providers and county-level agencies like those that provide mental and behavioral health support struggle to provide necessary services to families relying on them while they wait for a state budget that is nearly three months late. Treasury is here to do its part to bridge the gap until an agreement is reached.”

“We support the Treasurer’s bold leadership for this program that provides an important safety net to ensure counties can continue serving our communities without interruption, even during times of delayed state funding,” said Julie Wheeler, York County President Commissioner & Treasurer, County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania. “This initiative directly aligns with a resolution CCAP passed at our conference this past summer to support direct deposits from the State Treasury into county accounts.”

“In a time of financial distress for many counties, the Treasury’s offering of short-term, investment loans is a welcomed option,” said Kyle Kopko, Executive Director, County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania. “The uncertainty surrounding the state budget is putting immense pressure on Pennsylvania counties, and while this new opportunity may provide some relief, our prime emphasis continues to be urging the Governor and General Assembly to work together to finalize a budget without delay.” 

Treasury will make outreach directly to Head Start programs and county governments. Funds will be received within two business days of approval. Those who enter into a loan agreement will be required to pay back the initial Treasury investment plus a 4.5 percent annual interest rate within 15 days of state funds being released following the enactment of a state budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26.

To be eligible for this program, Head Start providers and county governments must indicate the investment will be used for immediate operating expenses and agree to the loan’s standard terms and conditions.

“We have no greater responsibility than to take care of our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians, and that’s exactly what’s being achieved by making these funds available,” Treasurer Garrity said.

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