PathWays PA Policy Blog

This week, the Senate is likely to vote on legislation that would include paid family leave for federal employees in the National Defense Authorization Act. We need you to share your thoughts with Senators right now! The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) already passed the House with bipartisan support. It includes FEPLA, the Federal Employees Paid Leave Act. The Act is now in conference committee where a group of senators and representatives will determine which pieces to keep from the House and Senate versions. Today or tomorrow, Senator Schatz is expected to introduce a motion to include FEPLA in the conference agreement. There may also be a separate motion asking the conference committee to focus on comp time and tax incentives instead of a paid family leave program. These tax incentives don’t encourage new businesses to provide paid family leave, however – they usually just go towards businesses that already have it. Please call, email, and tweet at your Senators to

PathWays PA's adult education program helps adult learners achieve their dreams by earning their GED. In today's world a high school diploma or GED is a necessity for securing employment and advancing in the workforce. Our adult education program helps adult learners take the next step in their lives and careers by helping them to prepare for the GED test and building the skills necessary to gain employment, thrive in the workforce, and advance in their careers. For more information about the adult education program and to sign up for our next adult education orientation contact Kathy Raymond at (610) 543-5022.

Did you know that PathWays PA provides SNAP application assistance? Our SNAP Benefits Specialist can assist you in accessing SNAP and other workforce supports to help you make ends meet while you're between jobs and provide assistance to ensure you remain employed and are able to move toward self-sufficiency. To participate in an eligibility screening for SNAP benefits and other workforce supports contact Emily at (610) 543-5022.

The Family Care Act would establish a paid family medical leave program in PA, granting working Pennsylvanians the time to care for themselves or other family members, such as an elderly loved one in need of in-home care, a child recovering from a serious illness, or an infant in the critical months following birth or adoption. Join Family Care Act Sponsors Representative Wendi Thomas (R-Bucks) and Senator Maria Collett (D-Montgomery), along with a panel of experts, as they discuss how their legislation would benefit working families and help Pennsylvania’s small businesses compete. The forum is free and open to the public. RSVP at  https://www.facebook.com/events/2282252015422833/ .