| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1/16/2010 |
Contact: robert swift (harrisburg bureau chief) 717-234-6020 rswift@timesshamrock.com |
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UNITED WAY FOCUSING ATTENTION ON STILL-STRUGGLING AGENCIES Three months after millions of dollars in state aid was restored following the overdue passage in October of the $27.8 billion budget, many agencies are continuing to cope with a loss of staffers and subsidies and to deal with cuts in state support for the Human Services Development Fund. During the three-month impasse from July to October when Pennsylvania operated without a full budget, United Way-supported agencies were required to borrow money and to dip into reserves to keep afloat. In some cases, agencies closed their doors. Some programs providing day care and pre-kindergarten services have yet to reopen, said Gary Drapek, president of the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties, at a Capitol press conference. The Scranton-based Day Nursery Association has been hit hard by a loss of state subsidies that it budgeted for, he said. "It's going to be a very long time before the agencies come back full-steam," said Mr. Drapek. "A number of the agencies are coming back, but those that have laid off staff have not rehired all the staffers." United Way is conducting a new survey of the continuing impact of the impasse on agencies, with results expected next month, said United Way President Tony Ross. With state finances still tight, United Way plans a statewide "listening tour" starting late next month to focus attention on the importance of state support for social services programs. Scranton will be one of the stops. United Way also invited the 2010 candidates for governor and the U.S. Senate to participate in a community service project Monday in which weatherization kits will be assembled for low-income residents. Last year's budget problems illustrate the importance for United Way to take a proactive approach with state officials and not wait for the approach of the June 30 budget passage deadline, said Mr. Ross. |