Crispus Attucks York Speaks Out: Barry Freeland Director at CAYETC Highlights the Human Cost of the Budget Stalemate
Photo Credit: Victor Rivera, PA House Democratic Caucus
On September 3, community leaders and advocates gathered outside Representative Carol Hill-Evans’ York District Office in the heart of downtown. The press conference (York Dispatch), led by Rep. Hill-Evans, gave voice to the urgent challenges local nonprofits are facing as the state budget impasse in Harrisburg drags on. Representing Crispus Attucks York, Barry Freeland, Director of the Employment and Training Center, spoke powerfully about the human cost of this political stalemate.
Barry Freeland speaks with State Representative Carol Hill-Evans during the press conference in downtown York. Photo Credit: Victor Rivera, PA House Democratic Caucus
Speaking for York’s Families
“For nearly a century, Crispus Attucks has been part of York City—helping to build a community where people can live, learn, work, and thrive,” Freeland began. He reminded those gathered that Crispus Attucks, like many nonprofits, depends on a mix of donors, foundations, and government support. But without the state budget, those funding streams are drying up.
Mr. Freeland expressed CAY’s most urgent concern: “Because the state budget has not been passed, we have not received more than $800,000 in Pre-K Counts funding, which supports childcare for 80 children at our Early Learning Center.” Without these dollars, he explained, providers across the city have already closed their doors, leaving parents without safe, affordable care and teachers without jobs. “We’ve worked hard to keep our classrooms open and our teachers and students in place, but without this funding, it simply isn’t sustainable.”
Barry Freeland of Crispus Attucks York speaks at the podium during the press conference in downtown York. Photo Credit: Victor Rivera, PA House Democratic Caucus
Programs on the Brink
Freeland also made it clear that the budget freeze forces Crispus Attucks to prepare for heartbreaking decisions. “The uncertainty is also forcing us to prepare for difficult choices: whether we can continue to provide a security guard at our charter school, whether we can maintain mental health services for our students, whether essential programs will be cut.”
His warning was unflinching: “The reality is clear—when the budget stalls, it is the most vulnerable in our city who pay the price.”
Seniors and Community Impact
Beyond children, the stalemate and federal funding freezes have also devastated opportunities for seniors. CAY was forced to lay off workers from its Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)—individuals who Freeland called “some of the most committed people we have, who not only support Crispus Attucks but strengthen churches and nonprofits throughout York City.”
Gratitude and a Call for Action
Freeland closed his remarks with deep appreciation for Rep. Hill-Evans, whose leadership and visibility have elevated these urgent issues. “Crispus Attucks is grateful to Representative Hill-Evans and her team for their leadership during this time. But we cannot do this alone. Nonprofits across York are carrying a heavy burden, and we need a budget passed to ensure that the services families rely on every day remain in place.”
His final words captured what was at stake not just for Crispus Attucks, but for York as a whole: “York City deserves to be a place where people can thrive, not just survive.”
Standing Together for York
The press conference outside Rep. Hill-Evans’ downtown office was more than a media event—it was a rallying cry. With leaders like Barry Freeland speaking on behalf of Crispus Attucks York, and Rep. Hill-Evans standing alongside community organizations, the message was unmistakable: York cannot afford to wait. The state must act, and act now, to restore funding and stability to the people who need it most.
Photo Credit: Victor Rivera, PA House Democratic Caucus