PathWays PA Policy Blog

PathWays PA is heartbroken over the mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton this weekend. We send our love to all those affected as we hold our own loved ones a little tighter. In El Paso, 22 people died and more than 2 dozen more were wounded in an attack. In Dayton, a gunman killed 9 people and injured another 14 in an attack that only lasted 30 seconds . More than 20 others were injured trying to escape. Take Action - your voice can make a difference: Contact your members of Congress to let them know what you think they should do. Call Congress at 202-224-3121. You can also send some of the following messages or use them as talking points in your phone calls From CHN: Enough is Enough - We Need Real Change.  From MomsRising: Ban the sale of military-style assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition From Everytown for Gun Safety: Demand smarter gun laws now  supporting gun violence research Visit the CeaseFirePA Issue Action Center for PA specific actions. Vigils:

In July, the USDA announced proposed changes to the SNAP (food stamp) program that would cut food assistance from 3 million people nationally, including 200,000 people in PA .  These changes would restrict families with incomes above 130% of the federal poverty level from accessing food stamps and free school meals . Currently 40 states, including Pennsylvania, use categorical eligibility to determine if a family qualifies for SNAP. In PA, families with incomes up to 160% of the federal poverty level remain eligible for some amount of benefits if their child care, housing, or other expenses bring their income below 130% of the federal poverty level. Categorical eligibility allows families to phase out their SNAP benefits slowly as their income rises. It also allows low-income families to put money into savings, and it saves money by simplifying administration of the program.  Take Action - your voice can make a difference: Register for a webinar to learn how to write a