United Way of Pennsylvania Calls for Urgent Budget Resolution to Protect Critical Services
United Way of Pennsylvania, together with statewide partners from the Coalition of Critical Service Providers, gathered at the Capitol to raise the alarm about the growing harm caused by Pennsylvania’s unresolved state budget. Now entering the fourth month without a spending plan, critical service providers are reporting layoffs, program closures, and reduced access to essential resources for children, seniors, and families.
As the convener of a statewide network of nonprofits and the home of PA 211, UWP sees daily how the impasse affects organizations that help Pennsylvanians meet basic needs. PA 211 resource navigators continue to connect residents to food banks, crisis centers, shelters, childcare providers, and senior services—but many of these same partners are struggling to keep their doors open.
Survey results show the scope of the problem: more than 1,700 nonprofit employees have already been laid off, millions of dollars in loan interest are draining resources, and contingency funds are nearly depleted. With the added uncertainty of a federal government shutdown, providers face even greater strain and instability.
Budget delays have real and measurable consequences. United Way of Pennsylvania urges lawmakers to finalize a state budget immediately to protect vital services and the Pennsylvanians who depend on them.
About the Coalition of Critical Service Providers
The Coalition includes providers from for-profit, nonprofit, and county agencies dedicated to delivering critical services throughout the Commonwealth. The members include: Community Action Association of Pennsylvania, Feeding PA, Hunger- Free PA, Pennsylvania Association of Area Agencies on Aging, Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Associations Pennsylvania Council of Children, Youth and Family Services, Pennsylvania State Alliance of YMCAs, Pennsylvania Head Start Association, Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children, Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect, Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association of Pennsylvania