PathWays PA Policy Blog

As word continues to filter out about another school shooting , this one in Maryland , legislators and students are debating new gun legislation. While Congress does not have anything scheduled for a vote, Pennsylvania is examining a law that would require the subjects of Protection from Abuse orders to give up their guns. Meanwhile, students and their supporters across the country are getting ready to march against gun violence this weekend. As of Tuesday, March 20, 829 events against gun violence are scheduled worldwide on March 24. Take Action: PA state legislators are considering a bill that would require people under a Protection from Abuse Order to surrender their firearms to a sheriff or judge within 48 hours of receiving the order. Please call your legislators to share your thoughts. The Bucks County Women's Advocacy Coalition has put together an Action Alert with sample language. If you do not live in Bucks County, please visit the PA General Assembly website t...

Please consider joining us as we share artful creations from our Therapeutic Art Enrichment program. The children experience less anxiety, build positive relationships and create mindful art while residing at the Center for Families. We hope that you enjoy their work as much as they do. Some of our young artists will be onsite to talk with you and answer some of your questions about their work. Hoping to see you real soon! St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Exton 1105 East Lincoln Highway Exton, PA 19341 610-363-2363 Saturday, April 14, 2018 4:00pm - 7:00pm Entrance Fee: Donate from items below for our kitchen at The Center for Families. Monetary donations will be accepted as well. Items needed for the Kitchen at Center for Families Large mixer Large food processor Knives Storage containers (large, medium, small) Large mixing bowls Large serving utensils Oven mitts Kitchen towels Microwave (2) Water pitchers (8) Ice trays Kitchen buckets for sanitizer and rinsi...

From our friends at PCCY . Smile Day is free dental care for children 1-18 years old, particularly children who are uninsured, have no dental insurance or haven’t been to the dentist in over 6 months. Children will receive care in dentist’s offices in Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. Call PCCY to make an appointment (in any language) starting on March 12th at 215-563-5848 x21. Read more here !

Our friends at Community Legal Services are reminding SNAP (food stamp) recipients that if you lose food because of a power outage, fire, or flood, you might be eligible to get it replaced. You have to act fast, though - notify your welfare office or customer service center within 10 days of when the food is spoiled. Read more about what to do from CLS here .

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...

You can't afford to miss Womenomics 2018! Join us as we bring together business, government, and civic representatives to promote the needs of women. For more information, please visit the WOMENomics website at  https://womenomics.weebly.com .

NPR and other news organizations are reporting a bipartisan budget agreement has been made between Senator Mitch McConnell and Senator Chuck Schumer. If passed, the deal would suspend planned cuts to both military and domestic spending. This bill would also increase the debt ceiling, which needs to happen in the next month. Not included in the bill, however, is a decision on DACA recipients . Without policy aiding the Dreamers, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi is opposing the bill . Meanwhile, at least one House Republican is also in opposition. Action Steps: Call your legislators to talk about the budget at 202-224-3121. Here's a sample script: "My name is ___, and I live in ___'s district. I'm calling to show my support/disapproval of the proposed 2 year budget." Then share one or two sentences about the programs you care about and if you agree with the proposed funding.