What a Week: Community Budget Veto, Voter ID, and DPW Action and Updates

What a week in Harrisburg! The state's fiscal year ends today, but we are not done yet! We need your voice on a couple of key issues over the next two days.

1- Are you frustrated with what happened with the State Budget? Come to a Community Budget Veto on Friday!
2- Respond to Voter Suppression Vote by Sending Your Rep an Email today
3- Help Us Stop a Bill Giving DPW Authority to Cut Benefits With No Public Input

Are You Mad About the State Budget? Join us for a Community Veto of the PA budget on Friday.

This week, the PA legislature passed a budget that cuts funding for services, education & health care, without raising a dime of new revenue from the drilling of natural gas in the Marcellus Shale, or from the closing of corporate tax loopholes. Join community allies in a symbolic community veto of a budget that rewards a few while it harms our children and our communities. Governor Corbett isn't gonna veto that budget--but we are!


WHEN: Friday, July 1 · 12:00pm - 1:00pm
WHERE: 200 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA

Voter ID Update: Respond to Your PA State Representative's Vote on the Voter Suppression Bill

After State House leaders used a procedural tactic to shut down debate on June 23, the House voted 108-88 in favor of House Bill 934, legislation that would force citizens to show valid state-issued photo ID every time they attempt to vote. The bill will make it harder for many eligible voters, especially senior citizens, students, racial minorities, and the working poor, to exercise their right to vote.

Additionally, it is estimated that this bill will cost nearly $10 million to implement. The bill will now head to the state Senate, where it is expected to be considered this fall.

Please send an e-mail to your state representative responding to his/her vote on the bill— either thanking them for their opposition or expressing your disappointment with their yes vote. Click here to send an email now.

Take Action Today to Stop DPW Bill that Gives DPW Unprecedented Authority to Cut Benefits

The Pennsylvania Senate is expected to vote today on an amended bill that would give the Department of Public Welfare (DPW) unprecedented authority over the next year to make changes in benefits, eligibility and provider payments without legislative oversight or public comment. If approved, the bill would then head to the House. An amendment to the bill approved in the Senate Wednesday gives DPW unchecked authority to cut welfare to work programs, child care assistance, Medical Assistance benefits, and health care provider payments. Random drug-testing would be administered to enrollees in Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Food Stamps, General Assistance and state supplemental assistance.

Please call the Harrisburg offices of your Senator and House Representative today. Tell them to vote no on the Welfare Code bill, HB 960, as amended in the Senate.

Want to learn more? Community Legal Services of Philadelphia has an easy-to-read one-page summary here.