United Way of Pennsylvania Joins SEIU Local 668 in Calling for Urgent Action to End SNAP Delays and Budget Impasse
United Way of Pennsylvania (UWP) joined SEIU Local 668 and other community advocates at a press conference today to highlight the growing challenges caused by the state budget impasse and the federal government shutdown, which are now disrupting essential programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Kristen Rotz, President of United Way of Pennsylvania, spoke on behalf of PA 211 and the network of nonprofit and human service providers who are feeling the impact of delayed funding and rising community need.
“Every day that passes without a budget or federal agreement means more families skipping meals, more nonprofits closing their doors, and more communities facing the economic impact of this crisis. Pennsylvanians cannot wait another week — not another day — for our elected officials to act to end these dual budget crises,” said Rotz.
Rotz emphasized that PA 211 has seen a sharp increase in calls from Pennsylvanians who are anxious about losing food assistance, struggling to pay rent, or facing layoffs from nonprofit and government jobs affected by the impasse. Food-related calls to PA 211 have more than doubled compared to this time last year, and navigators across the state are fielding growing numbers of requests for emergency support.
The press conference, organized by SEIU Local 668, brought together human service workers, nonprofit leaders, and impacted families to demand swift resolution at both the state and federal levels. SEIU 668 represents thousands of frontline public assistance workers across Pennsylvania who are themselves directly affected by budget uncertainty and service backlogs.
“All this uncertainty and all these funding battles, political gridlock is hurting workers and hurting families in Pennsylvania,” said Steve Catanese, president of SEIU Local 668 and member of the United Way of Pennsylvania Board of Directors.
United Way of Pennsylvania and PA 211 continue to advocate for lawmakers to pass the state budget and restore federal operations to ensure that families relying on SNAP, child care, housing, and energy assistance programs can meet their basic needs. As these programs stall and local providers stretch thin, UWP and its partners are calling on all elected officials to act with the same urgency and empathy they would if their own families faced these challenges.
Pennsylvania’s nonprofit and public sectors are working around the clock to fill gaps — but they cannot replace government funding. Every day of delay means more families going hungry and more services at risk. It’s time for leadership to act.