PathWays PA Policy Blog

PathWays PA Inc., a Philadelphia nonprofit social-services agency that serves low-income women, children, and families, appointed Cate Sennett to its board. Sennett is an attorney and partner-in-charge of advisory services at Jackson Cross Partners L.L.C. Read more: http://www.philly.com/philly/business/121875584.html#ixzz1MX1xIrrp

The committee met to consider the nomination of Gary D. Alexander as the Secretary of the Department of Public Welfare (DPW). The nomination was unanimously reported favorably to the Rules Committee. In a brief summary of his prepared statement, Alexander thanked the committee for holding the confirmation hearing. Alexander also thanked Gov. Tom Corbett for the invitation to join his team, commenting that they both share a vision for what DPW can and should be moving forward. Alexander stated that "despite all the good work that many have done in this department over the years, there is a clear consensus that there is more work to be done, greater efficiencies to be achieved and greater cost savings that can be made." He laid out three things that will be done in the first few months of his tenure: 1) a top to bottom internal audit, review and inventory of all operations and programs; 2) reach out to the line staff to hear their concerns; and 3) visit the consumers and fa...

The House Republican Caucus May 10th officially announced its budget proposal for fiscal year 2011-12. According to Republican Leader Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny), the plan represents the Caucus’s stance as “fiscal stewards of the hard-earned money of the taxpayers of Pennsylvania.” Rep. Turzai called Gov. Corbett’s original budget proposal an “important blueprint” and said the House Republican goal is “to have an on-time, no tax increase budget, without reckless borrowing, and that prioritizes spending and does so within the four corners of the governor’s blueprint.” Specifically the Republican proposal restores considerable portions of funding to K-12 and higher education cut from the Corbett budget, with state system universities seeing an 85 percent restoration and state-related institutions receiving anywhere from a 51-75 percent restoration. $210 million is allocated back to public schools. After the release of the House budget proposal, Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa (D-Alleghe...

Manager, Individual Donor and Corporate Relations and Special Events Individual and Corporate Fundraiser sought by PathWays PA to manage special events, individual, community group, and corporate fundraising, and communications. Ideal position for a mature professional who is seeking a position with a well-regarded non-profit. Public speaking experience and excellent writing skills are mandatory, as well as marketing and individual fundraising experience. This is an office-based position based in Delaware County, with visits to potential corporations and donors throughout the region. There are occasional speaking engagements/events on weekends and evenings. Please respond in confidence with resume, cover letter and two press releases developed by you. Also please provide salary requirements that reflect the reality of working in a non-profit environment during a protracted economic downturn. Please fax resumes and press release to: LD/Dev. at 610-328-2807, or e-mail through our web...

The Philadelphia Courts have recently stepped up collection efforts for individuals owing costs, fines, supervision fees, restitution, and bail to the criminal courts. 1 in 5 of the city’s residents are affected. Individuals not current with their costs risk loss of public benefits, wage garnishment, sheriff’s sale – and more. Join Community Legal Services attorneys for an explanation of the new system and how to help your clients. Tuesday, May 17th, 3:00-5:00pm Philadelphia Bar Association 1101 Market St, 11th Floor To RSVP, please contact Patty McGlone at 215-227-2408, or pmcglone@clsphila.org

Federal Policy Update “NO TAXPAYER FUNDING FOR ABORTION ACT” PASSES THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES  On Wednesday, May 4, the House of Representatives voted by a vote of 251-175 to pass the "No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act" (H.R. 3).   If the bill is adopted into law, it would put up new roadblocks to make it more difficult for a woman to obtain an abortion. It would: Permanently restrict abortion coverage in the federal Medicaid health program, extending the effects on women of the Hyde Amendment Ban abortion coverage in the new health care exchanges and put new taxes on employers and individuals who pay for abortion coverage through health plans   The bill now moves on to the Senate. If you would like to speak out against H.R. 3: Click here to let your Senators know you oppose H.R. 3. This information provided by The Women's Medical Fund .   State Policy Update RALLY FOR A RESPONSIBLE BUDGET RECAP More than 3,000 people gathered on ...

In recognition of the 10th anniversary of the enactment of the Educational Improvement Tax, supporters rallied behind the Capitol. They were joined by several legislators and PDE Secretary Tomalis to touts the successes of the EITC and to call for enactment of further school choice in the form of SB 1. The House Professional Licensure Committee conducted a public hearing on HB 646. The legislation, introduced by Rep. Kate Harper (R-Montgomery), amends Act 48 of 1993 gives the 29 licensing boards and commissions under the Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs to expunge a disciplinary record of a licensee upon written application to the board or commission. The expungement would only apply to minor violations. The Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants testified in support of the legislation. The Department of Revenue released an analysis showing that companies engaged in and related to natural gas drilling activities in Pennsylvania have paid more than $...