PathWays PA Policy Blog

The Health Insurance Marketplace has opened the door for working Pennsylvanians to shop for and compare affordable, comprehensive health care options. Meanwhile, the Corbett administration has proposed a plan to take up a federal option to expand Medicaid health coverage along with benefit cuts and other changes to the state's existing Medicaid program. Join the webinar on Friday, November 1 at Noon to get the latest on what's happening on the health care front in Pennsylvania. Laval Miller-Wilson of the Pennsylvania Health Law Project will be on hand along with other health care advocates and experts to answer your questions and to give you some insight into what lies ahead. You can also check out the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center's other upcoming webinars and watch past ones on the web site.

From the AP  The Obama administration granted a six-week extension until March 31 for Americans to sign up for coverage next year and avoid new tax penalties under the president's health care overhaul law.... Under the latest policy change, people who sign up by the end of open enrollment season on March 31 will not face a penalty. That means procrastinators get a grace period....   The extension — granted for 2014 only — addresses confusion that was created when the administration set the first open enrollment period under the law from Oct. 1-March 31. Please visit www.healthcare.gov  to sign up on the healthcare marketplace if you currently are without health insurance. Read the entire article here.

With an enormous workforce of more than 10 million people, the restaurant industry is one of our country's fastest growing and largest economic sectors; it also produces the lowest paying jobs in the country. Gloria Steinem helped us launch the campaign by sharing her story of living off tips - watch and share the video . Saru Jayaraman, our co-director and co-founder, talks about the campaign with media justice organization, Women's Media Center - read the feature . Share your story and follow the campaign on Twitter #LivingOffTips.

Hilda Guzman and her child "You can't get special treatment since a man can't get pregnant." That's what Hilda Guzman was told when she asked to sit on a stool while working as a cashier on an 8-to-10 hour shift at a dollar store in Long Island. Unfortunately, as her pregnancy continued, Hilda began to experience complications. The pressure from standing all day caused bleeding and premature labor pains. These physical problems landed her in the emergency room and eventually on bed rest. This also forced Hilda's family to live on one paycheck at a time when every penny counted. Hilda believes this all could have been avoided if she could've had a stool. Enough is enough. It's time to take action  - for Hilda and for the thousands of women across the country who are forced to make a choice between losing their jobs and endangering their pregnancies. That's why PathWays PA is fighting back. We are joining forces with organizations across

From our friends at the National Partnership for Women and Families.  Join the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Coalition on October 31 from 2:00 - 3:00pm ET for a tweetchat to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Pregnancy Discrimination Act! The discussion will be around how far the coalition has come, and what still needs to be done to end pregnancy discrimination--including passing the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act . Use the hashtag: #PWFA

Tomorrow is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day , but you can also learn how to dispose of medications at home. PSR Philadelphia has partnered with the Philadelphia Water Department to release a video on the proper disposal of unwanted, unused or expired medications at home. The video, Trash It! shows viewers how to protect their identifying information on labels from prescription medications, place medicines - liquid or pills - into a sealable container, mix it with an undesirable substance, such as kitty litter or used coffee grounds, and toss it in household trash. The video and an accompanying flyer, "Trash It! Most Unwanted Medicines Belong in the Trash" Most Unwanted Medicines Belong in the Trash" can be viewed via the PSR Philadelphia website . A one-minute version of the video is also available online on the PSR Philadelphia YouTube channel .

From our friends at the National Partnership for Women and Families  On October 31st, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) turns 35! And one of the best ways to celebrate is to move the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (HR 1975/S 942) , a bill that builds on the PDA's legacy to ensure fair treatment for pregnant workers. Over 130 organizations have already shown their support for the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act - are you on the list? Click here to view the coalition letter in support of the Pregnant Worker Fairness Act. This letter will show the breadth and depth of the coalition supporting this important piece of legislation, so please sign on today! To read and sign on to the letter, click here .  Deadline: Monday, October 28th, 2013   Questions: Call or email Amarillys Rodriguez at 202-986-2600 or arodriguez@nationalpartnership.org

It's that time of year again - PathWays PA's Adopt-a-Family Holiday Campaign! On behalf of our clients, staff and board, we would like to personally thank you for your incredible kindness. Last year, 280 families were adopted and over 150 welcome kits were donated! The generosity our supporters show each year is truly incredible and we are so grateful to have such wonderful friends in the community. You can find the 2013 donor registration form and 2013 welcome kit registration form and checklist right here on our blog, as well as this year's Adopt-a-Family info flyer . This program is a source of happiness, joy and satisfaction, as much for those who give as for those who receive. With your help, it will once again be a huge success! If you would like to share your holiday this year with a low-income family, please mail or fax your completed forms to Kelsey Dodds once you're ready. A friendly reminder - the name you list under "Company/Organization/Gr

PathWays PA will be hosting the first HeroesPath Employer Leadership Corp Planning Meeting on Wednesday, October 23, 2013 from 8:30AM - 9:30AM at American Legion Post 94 (2 Cambridge Road, Brookhaven, PA 19015). This meeting will introduce local employers to HeroesPath, PathWays PA's new Veterans services and employment initiative. Employers who participate in the initial planning meeting and subsequent Leadership Corp meetings will offer expertise and guidance on translating Veterans' military skills and experiences to successful civilian employment. Participating employers will also have the opportunity to connect with highly qualified Veterans to fill human resource needs.  For employers who are interested in participating, please RSVP to Eve Thomas at ethomas@pathwayspa.org or 610-543-5022 x256.

We have updated our donors page to make it more user friendly and customizable. Now you have the opportunity to not just give, but to direct your donation to your preferred source, such as our Center for Families, workforce development projects, or our new veterans program, HeroesPath. We hope you will take a few minutes to look at our new page and donate !

Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds-Brown will be hosting a free brown bag lunch series this Wednesday, the 23rd, beginning at 12:00PM in the City Hall caucus room 401. The theme for this week's lunch is: "Take charge of your career trajectory". Panelists include: Shannon Breuer, President, Wiley Gorup  Rose Ann Scanlon, SVP and Chief Operating Officer Holy Redeemer Health Care and Hospice  Cynthia Wollman, Managing Director Sustain Ability  The discussion will be led by 'C-Suite and Executive Level Women who are on corporate boards in Philadelphia. This interactive workshop is designed to educate the Next Generation of Women Leaders on how to develop a plan for your future career and how to negotiate development opportunities within your company and professional organizations. Please RSVP to Katherine J. Gilmore at 215-686-3438 or Katherine.gilmore@phila.gov .

November 1, 2013 PA Convention Center -Philadelphia PRESENTING SPONSOR PATHWAYS PA IS PROUD TO BE A SUPPORTING ORGANIZATION OF THE TENTH ANNUAL PA CONFERENCE FOR WOMEN Receive Special Pricing As A "Thank You" For Being A Part Of PathWays PA! PathWays PA is a Supporting Organization of the 2013 Pennsylvania Conference for Women. We invite you to join us at the event on November 1 and receive special pricing as one of our supporters! PURCHASE A TICKET AND ENJOY: • All-day Conference admission • Unparalleled networking opportunities • Cutting-edge keynote presentations • Skill-building breakout sessions • Seated lunch • Access to the exhibit hall featuring the Drexel LeBow Career Pavilion and a Health & Wellness Pavilion Use code SO13PA when registering for special pricing: $150 per person ($15 off) or $1800 for a table of 12 ($15 off) through the close of

From our friends at CLASP Out of 24 countries, the U.S. ranked 16th in literacy, 21st in numeracy, and 14th in problem solving using technology (or "technology-rich environments," according to the survey). The study found that adults that come from socioeconomically-disadvantaged backgrounds (e.g. low-income or poor educational attainment) are more likely to have lower skills. This relationship was stronger in the U.S. than in all other survey countries. Existing research tells us that workers with low basic skills are more likely to be unemployed, earn lower than average wages, have poor health outcomes, and most importantly-pass these traits along to their children. This new data from OECD should act as a wake-up call to policymakers, demonstrating the importance of redesigning our skills development system to improve the skills of our workers and the lives of low-income families, while making America competitive in the global economy. - See more at: http://www.clasp

http://www.pasaysnomore.com/ is a website where you can share stories of domestic violence and get valuable information and resources. The No More campaign is bringing together all people, organizations and communities that support ending domestic violence and sexual assault in our society. The website is part of a joint effort between PCADV (Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence) and PCAR (Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape) to get all Pennsylvanians to join voices and say no more to domestic violence and sexual assault.

We have the following positions open: Veterans Navigator, Program Manager, Financial Educator, Part-Time Adult Teacher, Part-Time Adult Basic Computer Teacher, Part-Time Math Teacher, and Childcare Educator. We also have one AmeriCorps VISTA position open and volunteer positions at our front desk. Veterans Navigator (Delaware County, PA) PathWays PA is seeking two full time Veterans Navigators for a new regional Veterans services initiative based in Delaware County, PA. The Navigators will help connect local Veterans with state, federal, and community resources necessary for securing employment and building financial stability. The Navigator will serve as a primary point of contact to help Veterans prepare for employment, access supportive services, and navigate education systems. This position will include workshop facilitation, individual career coaching, case management, service referrals, business development, and community outreach. The ideal candidate will have a record

The Delaware County Anti-Bullying Coalition would like to invite you to participate in the first of six Anti-Bullying Resources Fairs. The Anti-Bullying Resources Fair will take place on Sunday, October 27th from 1 till 6 pm at Congregation Beth Israel in Media . At this event, the moving documentary " Bully " will be shown. The coalition would like to have providers set up information tables to offer services to attendees. If you are able to attend or can support the event through other means, please fill out a form and return it to Melissa A. Maier .

Employment Opportunity • Employer: PathWays PA • Position: Veterans Navigator • Schedule/Pay Full Time + Health Benefits • Work Location: The position is based in Ridley Township, PA although travel throughout Delaware County PA is required • Position Overview: The Veterans Navigator will help connect local Veterans with state, federal, and community resources necessary for securing employment and building financial stability. The Navigator will serve as a primary point of contact to help Veterans prepare for employment, access supportive services, and navigate education systems. • Daily Duties: This position will include workshop facilitation, individual career coaching, case management, service referrals, business development, and community outreach. • Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have a record of success as a Veterans case manager, social worker, program/project manager, etc. He or she must be a "team-player" with a passion for direct service and experie

From our friends at The Coalition for Human Needs This Thursday, federal borrowing authority will be exhausted. Congress needs to prevent that, and allow the Treasury to borrow for an extended period. A spending bill also needs to be passed so the government stops furloughing workers and prevent more harm to people who need food, energy assistance, Head Start, etc. Call your Representative today and ask them to end the shutdown and stop an economic meltdown. Call toll-free: 1-888-659-9562

Right now in Pennsylvania more than 8,000 men, women and children are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. Over the last 10 years, an average of 490 people died annually waiting for organs in our Commonwealth. That number can be reduced with the passage of House Bill 30 and Senate Bill 850 - The Donate Life PA Act. This bill will ensure that more life-saving organs are donated by increasing public education, strengthening oversight of organ donation, clarifying decision-making authority over donations, and reducing unnecessary denials of organ recoveries. These bills will save lives. Find out how you can support this legislation and sign the petition .

From our friends at the Coalition on Human Needs End the Shutdown - Stop the Meltdown An Urgent Call for Your Help  The federal government has been partly shut for more than a week. Federal workers are prevented from doing their jobs. People are not getting services: Head Start, youth programs, mental health, emergency food... Inspections of food imports are way down; public health risks are up. And the unthinkable is being threatened by the House leadership: federal default on its debts and obligations if they don't get their way. Your voice is needed NOW: Call your Representative: Tell him/her to end the shutdown and stop an economic meltdown. Call toll-free: 1-888-659-9562 Wednesday - Friday, October 9 - 11 We really are heading towards a crisis - tell us you care, and will act . Suggested message when you call: As your constituent, I want you to act NOW to end the government shutdown and prevent the economic catastrophe of a government default, without

Friends of the Delaware County Women's Commission will be hosting a Women's Leadership Breakfast Thursday, October 17, from 8:00AM-9:30AM to celebrate the anniversary of the Equal Pay Act. The event will take place at: Neumann University, Mirenda Center for Sport, Spirituality, and Character Development - Bayada Atrium located at One Neumann Drive in Aston. Panelists include: Dianne Mills McKay- Trainer, Adjunct Professor, and Consultant on Gender Equity  Marianne Bellesorte- Senior Director of Public Policy and Media Relations, PathWays PA  For more information and to RSVP please contact Carol Dougherty at 610-543-7368 or cdoughertyncc@hotmail.com

The National Employment Law Project (NELP) will host a webinar on Thursday, October 10 at 1PM, "Winning Wage Justice: Collecting Unpaid Wages". Workers who have obtained a legal judgment in their favor for unpaid wages and penalties often face another obstacle -- collecting the money due to them. Learn about all the tools and strategies available for collecting on legal judgments. Find out about recent legislative successes, campaigns, and tactics, including wage liens, that can help workers recover what is owed to them. Register Here

From our friends in Harrisburg. October 2, 2013 - Harrisburg – Pennsylvania Department of Health Secretary Michael Wolf reminded Pennsylvanians today that all Women, Infants and Children (WIC) offices across the state are open and providing services during the federal government shutdown. “The Pennsylvania WIC program is operating as it normally does at this time, despite the federal government shutdown,” Wolf said. “All local WIC offices are currently open and are continuing to provide vital services to the families and individuals who depend on them in the commonwealth.” The department anticipates that the Pennsylvania WIC program can continue normal operations in the short-term due to funds carried forward from the previous year and additional food funds, including rebates. “We are watching budgets closely and have instructed all local offices to ensure fiscal responsibility with their allocated funds during this time. If we all keep focused, we believe we can sustain the

The Coalition on Human Needs will host a webinar tomorrow beginning at 4:00PM to discuss the the most up-to-date information on the government shutdown. The longer the shutdown lasts, the more people will be affected. The focus will be on Head Start, families and children losing benefits as well as the approaching debt ceiling. The webinar will only be 30 minutes. Register Here!

Here is what we're reading as the shutdown continues: How the Shutdown is Impacting Specific Federal Workforce Programs : Based the information that is currently available, here is the National Skills Coalition's best understanding so far of the impact of the shutdown on certain employment and training programs. Domestic Violence Programs See Their Funding End : The Office of Justice Programs, the Office on Violence Against Women, and other federal agencies funding domestic violence programs planned to fund the programs through Friday, October 4, 2013. Since the shutdown has not ended, many programs must rely on any funds they have in hand to see them through the fiscal crisis. If You Rely On Government Websites, Sorry:  Along with the government shutdown has come the shuttering of many websites, ranging from the American Community Survey database to NASA.gov.  If You Rely on Government Programs, You May Not Have Them for Much Longer : As we enter week 2 of the shutdown,

Order your FREE ticket now to see Inequality for All on Friday at 7PM in Philadelphia, and join PathWays PA and others for a discussion following the movie! "We make the rules of the economy - and we have the power to change those rules." - Robert Reich In the wake of the U.S. economic crisis, the widening gap between the rich and the poor has gained unprecedented public awareness. In Inequality for All, UC Berkeley professor and noted economic policy expert Robert Reich helps us understand how the extreme inequality we are now facing has roots in economic and policy changes that began over 30 years ago. Through newly shot and archival footage, as well as innovative graphics, we learn how we got here and where we are headed if we don't act soon. Punctuated by moments that allow us to know Reich personally, we also see his unwavering passion to return our society to one in which the American dream is possible for everyone. Please join PathWays PA and

The last government shutdown came in the 1990s, so here is a quick refresher course. For more detailed information, please visit  http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/09/30/absolutely-everything-you-need-to-know-about-how-the-government-shutdown-will-work/ . We will continue to update this page. If you see anything missing, or you have a question, please tell us in the comments! What happened?  Because the House and Senate could not come to an agreement about spending for the new fiscal year (which begins today) or an agreement on a continuing resolution to keep the government funded for a few more weeks of negotiation, the government has shutdown all nonessential services. Until a new agreement is reached, many federal offices will be closed, and nonessential workers (about 800,000) will be asked to remain at home without pay. Offices that operate with independent funding, such as the US Postal Service and the Federal Reserve, will remain open. Who are ess

This morning at 10AM, Common Cause and citizens from across Pennsylvania will be convening in the State Capitol in Harrisburg to show support for meaningful election reform. Your help is needed to encourage the House of Representatives to pass SB 37, the Online Voter Registration bill, which would expand opportunities for eligible voters while improving voter registration in the state. Common Cause has also launched a "take action" webpage. There you will find sample language you can use in an email to your members as well as sample posts to your Facebook pages and Twitter feeds: http://www.dayofaction4pa.org/take-action.html . You can also refer your elected officials to: www.DayofAction4PA.org to sign the petition. Find out who your elected officials are here and contact them!