PathWays PA Policy Blog

(From our friends at the National Partnership for Women and Families ) The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently proposed a rule that would gut a long-standing civil rights protection called “disparate impact theory” under the Fair Housing Act that has offered recourse for countless people experiencing housing discrimination and segregation. Disparate impact allows people to challenge housing policies or practices that have a discriminatory impact on them because of their race, color, national origin, sex, familial status, disability, or religion – even if the policy or practice appears on its face to apply to everyone equally. HUD’s proposed rule would tip the scale in favor of those accused of housing discrimination. It would drastically increase the burden of proof for victims of discrimination, and provides new defenses that could shield housing providers, governments, and corporations from being held accountable for discriminatory policies. We need y...

Last week, President Trump released his plans for the 2019 federal budget. It includes cuts to SNAP, Medicaid, and energy assistance along with the elimination of funding for public broadcasting and loan forgiveness for students who enter public service. Here's a more in-depth look at some items: Healthcare: The budget cuts Medicaid and subsidies for the health insurance marketplace by $763 billion over 10 years. It also embraces the Graham-Cassidy proposal to eliminate the ACA and replace it with a block grant to states. The block grants would be less than what states receive currently to assist families with healthcare, leaving them with additional, unfunded costs. Housing: Under this budget, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) would see a cut of $8.8 billion . Rental assistance programs are among those that would see cuts, while LIHEAP would be completely eliminated . Nutrition: Perhaps the most talked about cuts so far are those made to nutrition progra...

On Monday, July 17th 2017, Community Legal Services will be hosting a workshop to help you learn what your rights are as a tenant. If you have any questions about the topic, from when you should get your security deposit back to whether or not you can legally be evicted. Come out to learn the law and learn your rights! The workshop will be located at 1410 W. Erie Avenue in Philadelphia at 6:00 pm.

The Lead Paint Hazard Control Program has recently been started by the Community Action Agency of Delaware County ( CAADC ) to help families with children under the age of five who are at risk from dangerous lead paint in their homes. If you have, or think you might have, lead-based paint in your home, the CAADC can spend up to $10,000 to fix the hazard. To qualify for CAADC action, you must be a homeowner (not a renter) living in Delaware County but not  Upper Darby, Chester, or Haverford. Income guidelines apply - however new income limits were recently released by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and are slightly higher than they were last year. More in depth information regarding the program can be found below in a brochure issued by the Community Action Agency of Delaware County. Click here to download a pre-survey to see if you are eligible for the Lead Paint Hazard Control Program. After completing the pre-survey, click here to download...

From our friends at the National Low Income Housing Coalition : NLIHC will host a Twitter chat on Thursday, July 7, 2016 at 2:00 pm EST to discuss the findings from its newly released reports, The GAP: Affordable Housing Gap Analysis 2016 and Out of Reach 2016. The 30-minute chat will provide participants an opportunity to engage in a conversation about the shortage of affordable and available housing for extremely low income households and the mismatch between prevailing wages and rents throughout the country. The chat will also discuss policy solutions to address the housing affordability crisis in America. Participants will be able to ask questions to NLIHC’s President and CEO Diane Yentel and Vice President Research Andrew Aurand about NLIHC’s research, the state of affordable housing in America, and practical solutions. The Coalition’s official Twitter account is @NLIHC and the hashtag for the Twitter chat is #HousingGap . Read NLIHC’s Gap Report at: http://nlihc.org/resea...

The Assets & Opportunity Scorecard enables states to compare their performance to other states and the District of Columbia on measures of financial security and household wealth. When it comes to many measures, Pennsylvania ranks right in the middle - some states are better than us, some states are worse. So what's wrong with status quo? Well, here is the impact if Pennsylvania performed as well as the best state (with thanks to the Assets & Opportunity Initiative  for putting this together):

How much do you know about the homeless of Philadelphia? You are probably aware of the fact that there are people living on the streets of the city, but the statistics may shock you. Shelters all around Philly are filled to capacity. However, 48% of families are turned away just because there is no room for them. That means if we double the number of shelters in Philadelphia, then we may just barely be able to accommodate those seeking help. These numbers only include those who are seeking shelter. Many young people refuse to go into emergency housing because of the conditions. The need for Coordinated Assessment is increasing. This is where a person’s or families’ specific needs are evaluated and measured in order to decide what type of program they should enter. For the most part, the choices are transitional housing or emergency housing. Transitional housing offers services that can teach occupants a trade or some type of skill. In addition, participants would learn about bill...

PathWays PA invites you to join a statewide coalition focused on addressing the needs of low-income Pennsylvanians and the policies that can help them build assets and resources. This coalition will be part of the nationwide Assets and Opportunities Network, a movement-oriented group of advocates, practitioners, policymakers, and others nationwide working to expand the reach and deepen the impact of asset-based strategies. Network members are on the frontlines of state and local policy advocacy, coalition-building and service delivery. RSVP to join us or to learn more during our interactive webinar December 2! As you may know, PathWays PA is an active, known presence in the areas of policy and advocacy in Pennsylvania. We welcome the opportunity to work with your organization to build a strong, vibrant coalition that will play a key role in creating asset opportunities for your clients and for families throughout the state. The goal is to create a statewide effort, encompassing ...

The full Senate may consider the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) bill, S.1243 , as early as tomorrow, Tuesday, July 23. The bill will need significant support to get considered on the floor and then to pass the Senate. S. 1243 , increases funding for HOME, CDBG, Public Housing and Housing Choice Vouchers, programs that a companion House bill would reduce considerably. It is important that the Senate negotiators enter the conference committee from a position of strength. Both Pennsylvania’s senators are needed. Click Here , select " Take Action Today on THUD Bill " and ask Senators Casey and Toomey  to: Support consideration of the bill by the full Senate Make a floor statement about the importance of HUD programs Oppose amendments to reduce funding or harm programs  Support S.1243.

According to Dr. Heidi Hartmann, President of the Institute for Women's Policy Research in Washington, it's likely to be women and kids who suffer first if sequestration   is implemented. Here's what she had to say when interviewed on the Equal Time With Martha Burk radio show. There are many, many things [that would be cut]. The Maternal and Child Health block grant, Title X Family Planning, the Child Care and Development block grant that supports Head Start, child support enforcement. Food stamps are cut to some extent, and other food supplements like school breakfast and lunch programs. There's unemployment insurance, Pell education grants, housing assistance, home energy assistance. We could go on and on.

This month's Legislative Briefing will take place Wednesday, September 12th from 11:00 am-Noon. The call in number is 866-740-1260 code: 2811137. It's federal budget season - or is it? The fiscal year ends September 30, but the likelihood is that Congress will pass yet one more Continuing Resolution to continue funding past the elections and into 2013. That gives us more time to weigh in with our Senators and Representatives to convince them of the need for funding for affordable homes, community development, and ending homelessness. This month's call features Kate Seif, Policy Outreach Coordinator at the National Alliance to End Homelessness, who will discuss the budget environment in Washington and help us decipher the Budget Control Act, sequestration cuts, continuing resolutions, and The Path to Prosperity ("Ryan Budget"). To register CLICK HERE .

From our friends at Vote for Homes! In response to questions from community allies like yourselves, the Philadelphia Housing Authority are hosting two information sessions/trainings on its program, policies, and procedures. Tuesday, 8/21/12 - 10am-12pm or Thursday, 9/6/12 - 10am-12pm Training location: PHA Warnock Facility at 2850 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19133 Sign-up here: http://bit.ly/PHAinfoFALLSUMMER Topics: Overview of PHA Programs Eligibility Waitlist and Tenant Selection Tenant Policies, Procedures, and Services All are welcome, but space is limited, so signup here ASAP to reserve your spot. ( http://bit.ly/PHAinfoFALLSUMMER )

Homeowners in Philadelphia will now be able to save money on their real estate taxes thanks to legislation passed by the City of Philadelphia providing a Homestead Exemption to all Philadelphia homeowners. Because the Actual Value Initiative, which will make massive changes to the real estate tax system, will not be implemented until next year, the deadline for the Homestead Exemption has been extended to November 15th. A Homestead Exemption means that if you own your home, you can qualify for a reduction of your home's reassessment, and therefore reduce your tax bill. There are no age or income restrictions and all homeowners in the city are encouraged to apply. For more information, go here .

Federal Policy Updates  CONGRESS LEAVES WITHOUT A FARM BILL Congress has been working on the reauthorization of the Farm Bill, which includes funding for the food stamp, or SNAP, program. The House Agricultural Committee passed a bill out of Committee that cuts $16 billion from the program. If that bill becomes law 2 to 3 million people would lose their food assistance and 280 million children would no longer qualify for free school lunches. This at a time when in the United States 1 out of every 7 and in Philadelphia 1 out of every 4 people are struggling with hunger . Congress left for the August recess without coming to agreement on a Farm Bill. The current 5-year bill is set to expire on September 30th. That leaves the SNAP funding and other farm programs unresolved until Congress returns in September. If you support funding for SNAP there is still time to contact your legislators and urge them not to cut these important programs. State Policy Updates  ...

Applications for the Homeowners Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (HEMAP) are now being accepted. The HEMAP program is officially back in business as of today! Thanks to the efforts of many advocates and homeowners the Homeowners Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program has been restored in Pennsylvania. Funding has come from the National Mortgage Settlement which resulted from the law suit by the state Attorney's General against the largest mortgage banks. 90% of the $66 million coming to PA is targeted for HEMAP over the next five years. To apply you can contact non-profit housing counseling agencies throughout Pennsylvania. Click here to find an agency near you .  From our friends at the Philadelphia Unemployment Project . 

Federal Policy Updates SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE PASSES LABOR-HHS BILL Last week the Senate Appropriations Committee passed its version of the 2013 Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill. This bill includes the funding for most child welfare and related programs. The Senate bill includes small but important funding increases for a number of programs critical to vulnerable children and families. $70 million increase for Head Start $160 million increase for the Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG) designed to both improve quality and expand access $51 million increase for the Race to the Top program with an accompanying focus on early childhood care and education $20 million increase for Promise Neighborhoods, a program designed to support local efforts to fight poverty and improve educational outcomes for children in high-risk neighborhoods $5 million in additional IV-B training funds to prevent domestic child sex trafficking and improv e services for vic...

State Update This week, the Pennsylvania Senate released its numbers on the state budget.  In their version, the Senate restores $500 million in funding, including restoring funding for Pennsylvania's colleges to its current levels. In addition to adding higher education funding, the Senate chose to increase funding in certain health and health-related departments such as Epilepsy, Tourette's Syndrome, Autism, and various MA related programs, While overall funding increased,  The Philadelphia Inquirer   reported that attempts "to put in another $250 million for social services, child-care services, and a temporary cash assistance program for poor and disabled adults failed."   According to the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center , the Senate budget increases spending while continuing a proposed tax cut and cutting a proposed cap on the sales tax vendor discount. In response to the budget proposal, Governor Corbett's spokesman Eric Shirk said...

State In the past month, Pennsylvania collected higher than expected revenues , with $4.1 billion entering the General Fund in March 2012. This amount represents a 2.4% increase over projections. A small part of the additional revenue can be traced to Pennsylvania’s casinos, which posted record profits for the month, adding $126.5 million in tax revenue . Although the Secretary of Revenue is still reporting a $389 million dollar loss for the year, the increased funds could mean a lower than expected total loss. According to the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, the Governor’s budget assumes a loss of $719 million, and the additional revenue could be used to ameliorate some of the cuts in the Governor’s budget. In looking at other ways to raise revenue, citizens, advocates, and lawmakers have been putting forth ideas for preventing this year’s budget cuts before they happen. In late March, the Better Choices for Pennsylvania Coalition held a press conference in Harrisburg a...

Federal Policy Updates HELP SUPPORT SNAP Every five years, Congress reauthorizes the Farm Bill, a comprehensive piece of legislation that includes, among other items, SNAP (also known as Food Stamps). This year, the Farm Bill is up for reauthorization. As Farm Bill deliberations begin, the Food Research Action Center is asking organizations that support SNAP to show that support. FRAC is circulating a sign on letter for organizations that urges Senators to strengthen and protect SNAP, and to oppose any proposals to cap or reduce funding, restrict eligibility or reduce benefits in SNAP. If your support SNAP, take action: Sign your organization onto this critical letter urging the Senate to strengthen and protect SNAP. Please distribute the letter and encourage other groups in your network to sign. SIGN LETTER TO PROTECT YOUNG FARMWORKERS Rules proposed by Secretary Solis would prevent young farmworkers under the age of 16 from performing especially hazardous work—work...

State OPPORTUNITY TO WEIGH IN ON VOTING RIGHTS TODAY The Pennsylvania Senate Appropriations is planning to vote on MONDAY 3/5 on HB 934 which would deprive voters of the right to cast a ballot if they do not show a valid state-issued photo ID card, with limited exceptions. This will particularly affect non-drivers (senior citizens who no longer drive, persons with disabilities, and residents of urban communities who travel by public transit), and the challenge of securing a non-driver photo ID card from PennDOT will be costly, difficult, and, for some, impossible. Supporters of the bill have been unable to show any evidence of voter identity fraud in Pennsylvania because safeguards against fraudulent voting are already in place in our state. The legislation may cost Pennsylvania taxpayers millions to implement. Long lines at polling places are likely to form, leading other voters to simply give up and go home. More information on the legislation can be found at http://vote...