PathWays PA Policy Blog

Governor Wolf presented his sixth budget today with a focus on education, supporting workers and the workforce, and reducing gun violence. Overall, the budget increases spending to $36 billion compared to last year. Governor Wolf also proposed a higher minimum wage (as he did last year), raising the current rate of $7.25/hour to $12/hour by July and then increasing the wage over time until it reaches $15 in 2026. The last time the minimum wage increased in Pennsylvania was when the federal government increased the wage in 2009. Here are some of the articles we've been reading on the budget: Highlights of the proposed 2020-21 Pennsylvania budget Pa. Governor’s Budget Pushes for Addressing Asbestos in Schools, College Debt Aid Pa. budget: Another year of flat funding for public libraries lands them in ‘Loser’ list Governor Wolf Urges Legislature to Tackle Gun Violence, Student Debt, Toxic Schools Click here for large version Click here to view larger version

We're heading into another budget season - time to break out the spreadsheets and charts! Governor Wolf presented his budget today with a focus on education and jobs, with what both sides described as a bipartisan outlook  or at the very least places where both parties could find agreement . Overall, the budget increases spending by 4.2% (or $1.4 billion) compared to last year. Nearly $300 million would go towards increased education spending for K-12, special education, and state universities. Governor Wolf also proposed a higher minimum wage, raising the current rate of $7.25/hour to $12/hour by July and then increasing the wage over time until it reaches $15 in 2025. The last time the minimum wage increased in Pennsylvania was when the federal government increased the wage in 2009. Here are some of the articles we've been reading on the budget: Schools, farms and voting machines in Gov. Tom Wolf's budget sights Gov. Wolf unveils budget: more money for public ...

They're still dotting the eyes and crossing the t's, but it looks like we will have a PA budget that is close to on time. After a Senate vote earlier, the House must also approve the budget legislation before it heads to Governor Wolf. The Governor has indicated he will sign the bill, but probably not until early next week when other pieces of the budget are ready for his signature too. Below is our chart on the final budget proposal. Most (but not all) of the programs we track received flat or increased funding. Click here to enlarge

The Pennsylvania State House voted yesterday to pass a 2017-2018 budget package that cuts $815 million in spending from the budget proposed by Governor Wolf in February. The final vote was 114-85, with most (but not all) Republicans supporting the plan but no Democratic votes. The bill now moves on to the Senate. Budget cuts could be found across the board, including the human services line items that we follow. Some increases to education made by the governor remain in the budget, although early childhood education is getting a smaller increase than requested. Please take a look at the chart below to see how your budget items fared, or look at the full budget here . Your next steps: Look at the line items that matter to you, and call your state senator to share your thoughts. Should something be getting more money? Less? Tell your senator today. (PS - The Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center has a Fair Share Tax proposal on their website that could give you some ideas on how a...

As in most years, we've put together a graphic highlighting programs of special interest to PathWays PA and our clients. Please take a look and let us know what you think of the Governor's proposed funding methods.

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 ...

From our friends at the Pre K for PA Campaign  The Pre K for PA campaign will be holding an event on February 26 from 7:00PM-8:30PM at Upper Darby High School located at: 8201 Lansdowne Ave in Lansdowne, PA. The event will provide information on the Pre K for PA campaign and explore easy ways everyone can make sure elected officials make early learning a priority. The campaign is advocating for all children to have access to free, quality Pre-K. Children with access to high-qaulity Pre-K programs arrive in kindergarten ready to learn and are more likely to advance grades and have improved social skills.

The city of Philadelphia is launching a five-point plan called Shared Prosperity to reduce poverty among Philadelphia families. U.S. Census figures show 39% of Philadelphia children live at or below the poverty line. Shared Prosperity is a vision for Philadelphia - a city that collaborates and works together to fight poverty. It means sharing responsibility to find a better, more coordinated approach. And share the benefits of a collective impact that results from our efforts. One part of the Shared Prosperity plan calls for wider availability of high quality childcare and public pre-k programs so that children enter elementary school prepared to learn. This is great news for Philadelphia's children. PCCY and other child care organizations laud the mayor because the plan can significantly improve the lives of Philadelphia's youngest generation if it is properly implemented.

This year the Governor proposed a small budget increase for Pre-K and Head Start, and an even smaller one for subsidized child care. We know these increases aren't nearly enough to meet the needs of young children and families in this region. Nevertheless, the legislature is poised to act on the state budget in the next few weeks. Unfortunately state revenues are tight so some legislators are considering cutting the modest increases for child care and other early learning programs so they can balance the budget. Click here to urge your legislators to voter against any cuts to early childhood programs.

Your legislators need to hear from you about the importance of investing in quality early childhood education and afterschool programs! Come tell your story about: The CHILDREN and the difference that a quality early education and afterschool programs make in their lives.  The TEACHERS, STAFF and the critical role their skills and expertise play in a quality program.  The CHALLENGES (subsidy waiting lists, health insurance, staff turnover, unmet needs of Keystone STARS, and Pre-K Counts).  The SUCCESSES that investing in quality produces (early brain development, school readiness, family economic success, connections to community, and saving in future social service costs). Register here no later than Wednesday . If you have any questions, please contact Suzann Morris at suzann@dvaeyc.org or (215) 893-0130.

There is so much going on right now that we did not want to miss an opportunity to update you even on issues that are not budget related. Please see our recent blog posts on Ending Human Trafficking in Pennsylvania and the Paycheck Fairness Act . State Budget Update In early May, the Pennsylvania Senate approved a 2012-13 budget plan (SB 1466), spending about $500 million more than the Governor proposed. The House is expected to vote on SB 1466 the week of June 4th. Yesterday the House Appropriates Committee passed SB 1466 out of committee. There is a spend ceiling of $27.6 billion and House members are asked to keep any amendments revenue neutral. This has upset some members who are seeking amendments based on the findings of the Independent Fiscal Office that there is an additional $300 million the state has access to. While the Committee would not increase the spend number, it was mentioned that there may be an opportunity to add additional funding on the House floo...

HELP MAKE CALLS FOR EARNED SICK DAYS In Philadelphia, over 40% of workers do not have a single paid day that they can use to care for themselves or a family member when sick. Last year the Coalition for Healthy Families and Workplaces and PathWays PA passed a bill in City Council that would give workers the opportunity to earn a minimum number of paid sick days. Unfortunately, this bill was vetoed by the Mayor. The proposed 2012 earned sick days bill is very similar to last year’s bill, but with one important difference. After studying earned sick days bills across the country, the Coalition added a “safe days” option to the bill so that workers who are survivors of domestic violence can receive the medical attention and support they need to leave an abuser. To pass this bill again, and to pass it with a veto-proof majority, we need your help. Will you call your City Council member right now? If you see your City Council member in the list below, please call and tell them ...

A Marcellus shale rig located in Roulette, Pennsylvania . Earlier today Governor Corbett announced details of his plan for addressing the costs and environmental impact of the natural gas drill in the Marcellus Shale. The governor’s proposal calls for a fee to be placed on each well and establishes environmental standards and enforcement . Counties would be permitted to set an impact fee of no more than $40,000 per well in a well's first year. The plan estimates these fees would generate $120 million in the first full year, and $195 million by the sixth year. Most of the money would remain in drilling communities, while 25 percent would go to the state for environmental protection, health, emergency management, and pipeline inspection. In addition to the Governor’s proposal, State Representatives Thomas Murt and Gene DiGirolamo also plan to introduce a natural gas drilling tax bill. Their bill would dedicate 29% of revenue to local government impacts and 27% to statewi...

FEDERAL UPDATES FEDERAL UPDATES   Tell your legislators the importance of skilled jobs programs   We know that across the country, Americans are looking for jobs so that they can support their families and acheive their dreams.  What is less known is that across the country, employers are searching for workers - but too often they come up empty because they can't find workers with the skills and education needed to perform in the workplace.  We need job-training opportunities as part of any job plan to ensure that all workers and employers can take advantage of the current job market and help prepare America for the future.  Please take a moment to tell your legislators how important job-training is.   To write your legislator, click here .     Support Programs That Keep More Money in Your Pocket!     As Congress takes on the task of deficit reduction, we have a unique opportunity to advocate for programs and servic...

SPECIAL EVENT: DELAWARE COUNTY HEALTHCARE PARTNERSHIP Invites you to attend the Third Annual Partnership Celebration Date: Thursday May 19, 2011 Time: Networking 8am            Program 8:30-10:30am Location: Drexelbrook Corporate Events Center     4700 Drexelbrook Drive     Drexel Hill, PA 19026 Join us as we recognize workers' achievements, honor the contributions of employers and the dedication of our educators and award our second annual scholarships for continuing education. To RSVP for this event, contact Ann DelCollo at 610-543-5022 x221 or adelcollo@pathwayspa.org We would like to thank the following organizations for their support: Delaware County Office of Employment and Training Department of Labor & Industry Job Opportunity Investment Network PA Fund for Workforce Solutions State Policy Updates AFTERSCHOOL FOR ALL...