PathWays PA Policy Blog

Join the Bucks County Women's Advocacy Coalition (BCWAC) for their 7th Annual Conversation with Elected Officials: Removing Barriers to Economic Self-Sufficiency on Friday, April 10 beginning at 8 AM. The conversation will build on a keynote address delivered by Dr. Judith A. Levine, professor at Temple University College of Liberal Arts and author of Ain't No Trust: How Bosses, Boyfriends, and Bureaucrats Fail Low-Income Mothers and Why It Matters. Judith will share some of the research behind her conclusions and relate them to public policy options. PathWays PA is a member of BCWAC and works closely with them on many policy issues. Learn more and RSVP! Interested in PathWays PA blog posts on similar topics? 10/23/14 - Homeless Memorial Day is December 18 7/14/14 - Film and Discussion on the Immigration Crisis Tomorrow at 7PM 6/13/14 - Speak Out Against Senior Financial Abuse-Monday, June 16 at Noon!

Statement from Lyn Kugel, Vice President of Workforce Development and Self-Sufficiency at PathWays PA and leader of the Pathways to Opportunities Partnership (POP), on the new Corporation for Enterprise Development (CFED) Assets and Opportunities Scorecard : Despite an improving national economy, far too many Pennsylvania residents are still struggling to achieve financial security. A new report from the Corporation for Enterprise Development (CFED), reveals that Pennsylvania ranks 24th overall for access to financial assets, income, jobs, housing, healthcare and education. We know that well-targeted policies can make a huge difference in the financial security of Pennsylvania families. The Scorecard complied by CFED takes a close look at how Pennsylvania and its families are faring across multiple indices and policies. Financial Assets and Income: Owning assets leads to improved economic stability for families as well as improved economic mobility. When families have financial

Philadelphia could be the next city to win paid sick days! Here's the sobering truth of what's at stake: For a family without paid sick days, just 3.5 days of missed work because of illness is the equivalent to an entire month's groceries for the average family. That's bad for families, and it's bad for the city's economy. PathWays PA has been leading the charge for earned sick days in Philadelphia since 2010, and recently served on the Mayor's Task Force on Paid Sick Leave. Join MomsRising and PathWays PA by raising your voice and sharing your thoughts with Philadelphia City Council members! Share your story! Interested in PathWays PA blog posts on similar topics? 1/23/15 - NEW DATE! Join us on February 3 for the Hearing on Earned Sick Days in City Council! 12/11/14 - The Importance of FAMILY 9/19/13 - #OurAmericanStory: Low-Income Families Share Their Stories to Bring National Attention to Poverty Issues

PathWays PA will offer free tax preparation in Greater Philadelphia, Camden, and Delaware County from January 26 to April 15 2015. Schedule your appointment today! PathWays PA's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program has assisted thousands of people in Metro Philadelphia to file their tax returns for over 10 years. PathWays PA's IRS certified volunteer preparers can prepare your taxes at absolutely no cost to you. This will help you avoid the high fees charged by commercial preparers, saving you hundreds of dollars and enabling you to keep more of your money. Our services are available to individuals and families earning less than $53,000 per year. Learn more! Interested in PathWays PA blog posts on similar topics? 1/13/15 - Volunteer Your Time This Tax Season with PathWays PA 10/21/14 - Tax Season is Around the Corner - We Need Volunteers! 2/24/14 - Webinar on Expanding EITC March 5

UPDATED: Due to the snow, the hearing has been moved to February 3 at 11:30 AM. Do workers deserve Paid Sick Time? YES THEY DO! Join us  February 3  and let your voice be heard on the Earned Sick Time bill, a bill that would affect 120,000 workers in Philadelphia. 40% of Philadelphia workers do not receive earned sick days, and 120,000 people would receive the benefits if this law were to pass. Council needs to hear from you! Join us to send the message clear and strong, the time for earned sick days is now! Let us know that you are attending by signing up on Facebook today!  https://www.facebook.com/events/1538444993097648/?source=1 ¿Piensas que los trabajadores deben recibir tiempo pagado por enfermedad en sus trabajo? CLARO QUE SI! Únase con nosotros el 3 de febrero para que su voz sea oída en la propuesta de ley para dias de enfermedad pagados, una propuesta ley que afectaría a 120.000 trabajadores en Filadelfia. 40% de los trabajadores de Filadelfia no reciben dias

PathWays PA VITA provides free tax preparation to low-moderate income filers so they can access valuable tax refunds and credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit. The EITC is the Federal government's largest and most successful anti-poverty tool, providing low wage workers with additional funds to supplement their wages so they can support their families and meet their basic needs. By volunteering only 3 - 4 hours a week during tax season, you alone can return over $30,000 to local working families. Last year, volunteer preparers with PathWays PA assisted more than 2,800 individuals and families in Greater Philadelphia, Delaware and Camden Counties. Together, we brought back over $4 million in tax refunds to our local communities. This year, we hope to reach more families than ever - and we need your help! No tax experience is required; free IRS-certified tax training is provided. Volunteer Roles: Tax Preparers and Quality Reviewers: Receive free training and beco