Governor Shapiro Proposes Increase to PA 211 State Funding
Governor Josh Shapiro has proposed a $250,000 increase to the PA 211 line item in this year’s state budget – bringing the total proposed investment to $1 million, up from $750,000.
After years of dedicated advocacy from United Way of Pennsylvania, PA 211, local United Ways, 211 Call Centers, and partners across the Commonwealth, this proposed increase marks meaningful progress. It reflects growing recognition of PA 211 as a vital, statewide partnership that ensures Pennsylvanians can access help when they most need it.
Every day, trained PA 211 Resource Navigators answer calls, texts, and chats from individuals and families seeking food assistance, housing and utility support, child care, health services, crisis intervention, and more. At the same time, PA 211 provides real-time data and insights that help communities, lawmakers, and state agencies better understand emerging needs from disaster response to economic instability. Sustaining this infrastructure requires consistent and reliable state investment.
“The Governor’s proposed increase is not just a budget adjustment. It is a statement about the importance of maintaining a strong, accessible, human-centered network in every county across Pennsylvania,” said Emily Aubele, Vice President of PA 211. “As calls continue to reflect increasing complexity of needs, stable funding ensures PA 211 can continue to serve as the most reliable entry point for services in our Commonwealth.”
Now is the moment to build on this momentum.
We are grateful to the Shapiro Administration for recognizing PA 211’s essential role. We now encourage members of the General Assembly to follow the Governor’s lead by supporting and securing this increased investment in the final state budget.
PA 211 works because it is there for everyone, every day. With increased state support, we can ensure this critical service remains strong, responsive, and ready for challenges that lie ahead.
Contact your state lawmakers today and urge them to support an increased investment in PA 211. Together, we can protect and strengthen this essential resource for all Pennsylvanians.