Donna Cooper, Executive Director of Public Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY) discussed the non-profit watchdog that addresses the challenges families in the Delaware Valley face in health, housing and education through advocacy and direct services.  We began with a discussion of the status of children today, both surprisingly hopeful with opportunities and technology, and worrisome, with educational shortfalls and shortages in childcare.   She discussed the funding of our schools, left to the state as there is no Constitutional guarantee to a public education, our Federal government provides just 2% of the cost.  She noted that wages have not increased to match the cost and a high tax rate for schools with poor residents cause funding inequalities that the state does not make up.  She also worried that schools now need to graduate everyone to fulfill the country’s job needs, at a time when more children are underprepared and schools are struggling to meet increased responsibilities toward the students.  This lead into the question of child care and early intervention to get kids on track towards graduation, there is too little child care and it is too costly for most parents. She addressed health care for children, too, and the crisis of lead in the Delaware Valley, noting that the lead levels for children in some housing exceeds that of the children in Flint, Michigan. PCCY is working to get the state involved in testing and in accountability for the manufacturers and builders who created the crisis.  She wrapped with a discussion on health care, too many children are still un or underinsured, PCCY will work with parents to get their children enrolled in the state or other plan to get them covered.  She spoke about PCCY partnerships with the Eagles. Wills Eye Hospital and local dental providers that allows them to offer dental work and free eye glasses for children.   She asked for parents and others to work with PCCY to bring their message to our legislature and to help support health and educational opportunities to all children. 

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