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What's Happening at United Way?

UWP Priorities Fare Well in PA Budget 

The House and Senate passed a spending plan, which was signed by Governor Wolf before their June 30th deadline.  It is a $32.7 billion dollar spending plan which was agreed to by all four caucuses in the General Assembly, as well as the Governor.  It was very much a bipartisan budget and United Way priorities fared well throughout. 
 
Statewide 2-1-1
We are very pleased to announce the state made a second-year investment in statewide 2-1-1.  The appropriated amount was $750,000, which was synonymous with the amount in the FY2017-18 budget.  2-1-1 communications now is now a stand-alone line item in the budget, under Human Services.  This is a major victory for the United Way network and PA 2-1-1! This has been a priority for UWP and we are excited the state is invested in PA 2-1-1 and the services brought to Pennsylvanians.  We enjoyed very broad, bipartisan support for this initiative, but especially want to recognize the leadership of Senator Browne and Representative Bloom who have been our primary champions for 2-1-1 funding.  
 
High Quality Early Childhood Education and Child Care
UWP is also happy to share that there was an increased investment of $25 million to help thousands more children gain access to high quality Pre-K and Head Start programs.  Funding for Pre-K Counts was increased by $20 million, and funding for Head Start Supplemental Assistance Increased by $5 million. UWP became a principal partner for the Pre-k for PA campaign and supported their work in advocating for an increase.  Child care services also increased by $6.8 million, which will be used to reduce the waiting list for child care which is essential to low income working families. There was a new investment in home-visiting programs of $6.735 million.  Some examples of home-visiting programs include Parents as Teachers, which provide research-based child development and parenting education and Nurse-Family Partnership, which helps eligible first-time parents experience healthy pregnancies, learn how to take good care of their babies, and make plans for the future.  
 
Human Services
Human services were largely flat-funded in the budget, with the exception of an investment to assist individuals with intellectual disabilities, including $16 million for these individuals to access waivers to provide supports and services so they can remain in their home. Over 900 people will be served with this investment. 
 
Other Noteworthy Items
Some other items that were stand-outs in this year's budget include:
  • investments into workforce development, through increased funding for vo-tech education and the launch of the PAsmart initiative;
  • an investment of $60 million into school safety;
  • an increase of $25 million for the Education Improvement Tax Credit, bring the total to $160 million;
  • PA Community HealthChoices funded for statewide implementation; and
  • Keystone Scholars Grant Program expanded statewide starting in 2019.

Help Protect SNAP in Farm Bill Reauthorization

The Farm Bill is the major agriculture and food legislation that impacts every person in the country. The legislation sets policy on issues ranging from funding for conservation programs to ensuring no American goes hungry.  One major piece of this legislation is the authorization of the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, commonly referred to as SNAP.  

The Farm Bill needs to be reauthorized every 5 years, and is due this September, so Congress has been busy determining what provisions will be included in this year's reauthorization.  SNAP has been a major debate in the discussions, with the House proposing policy changes that would cut access to food for millions of Americans, including over $1.8 million Pennsylvanians. The House passed their version of the bill, which would have significant negative impacts on access to SNAP for millions of workers and their families. On the other hand, the Senate passed their version of the bill, which includes a bipartisan effort and largely protects SNAP.  The bill will now go to a conference committee to hash out final details on a piece of legislation that can be supported in both chambers. 
 

It is vital for the health of Pennsylvanians and the rest of the country that SNAP be protected in the reauthorization of the Farm Bill! SNAP is a major component in providing necessary nutrition to families across the commonwealth. Let's stand together and fight for the health and financial stability of Americans! 

PA United Ways in the News 

United Way Gives Money to Carbon County Agencies 

United Way Expands Free Summer Meal Program for Children 

Southwestern PA United Way Wants to Help Disadvantaged Kids Ride Their First Bike

United Way's Tocqueville Award Recipient Announced

Volunteers Gather for United Way Weekend Meal Prep Event

United Way CEO Bill Goulderer Sets the Record Straight on Poverty in Philly 

United Way Stepping in After Reading Levels Slip in the Area

United Way Smashes Fundraising Goal for Annual Campaign

Bucks Knocks Out Hunger Fills a Gap  

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley Makes Largest Community Investment in its History

United Way Celebrates 2017 Successes in Southwestern PA 

 
UPCOMING UNITED WAY 
EVENTS
UWP 2018 Board Meetings 
September 19
December 12

UWP 2018 Hill Day 
July 17  

Check Out What Your Local United Way has Going On
LIVING UNITED IN PENNSYLVANIA
United Way of Pennsylvania (UWP) is a state association representing our 48 member United Ways and United Funds across the Commonwealth. 

UWP's mission is to assist and champion the efforts of local United Ways in advancing the common good

Primarily UWP's work consists of government relations work on the policy issues affecting PA's communities in the areas of health, education, and financial stability.  In addition, UWP works with our local United Way members to support their efforts and offer support to their mission.  

Visit United Way of Pennsylvania's website
to learn more about how local United Ways are working to advance the common good

For any inquiries please contact us

How United Way Priorities Stack Up in the Race for Governor 


The two gubernatorial candidates, Tom Wolf and Scott Wagner, have been selected and now the race is on for the next Governor of Pennsylvania.  So how do they stack up on the issues of importance to United Way? 

Both candidates participated in the United Way of Pennsylvania candidate survey so we could learn more about their viewpoints on critical issues impacting Pennsylvanians.  The candidate survey offers Pennsylvanians the opportunity to learn where the two gubernatorial candidates stand on a variety of issues related to education, health, financial stability and the nonprofit sector. 

The full survey results are available on the UWP public website on the  2018 Gubernatorial Candidates on the Issues link. The full set of responses has been posted for each candidate. The responses are available in two formats: sorted by issue area, or sorted by candidate.



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