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Showing posts from August, 2019

We need to work together to end gun violence

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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:

Proposed changes to food stamps will leave more Pennsylvanians hungry

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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