The state-run program, headed by Ms. Alonso, has a highly organized curriculum and is tuition free.

His plan would also give more children access to health care by raising the income cutoff for Medicaid and state-run programs.

"We are a bit like a swimmer being washed down the river with no boat," he said of declining Federal support for state-run programs.

Over the last five to 10 years, a number of state-run and private programs have sprung up that offer naturalist or master naturalist certificates.

Because they frequently travel, they have difficulty enrolling in state-run social programs, like Medicaid.

The state-run programs provide less extensive protections than the federal program.

The state began hiring private haulers to remove road-killed deer in 1990, after layoffs ended a state-run program.

Both House and Senate bills call for state-run programs to help welfare clients find jobs, preferably in the private economy.

He would also give children more access to medical care by making more of them eligible for Medicaid and state-run programs.

Pennsylvania has one of the nation's largest state-run drug-subsidy programs for its older low-income residents.