January:
February:
Understanding the “new” SNAP Time Limit for “ABAWDs” Webinar
Watch the Recording Here!
PA SNAP Map Subjected to Time Limit
AWAB Time Limit Medical Exemption Form
Last year, the Trump administration proposed a series of rules that will make it much harder for those in need to receive SNAP benefits (food stamps). The first finalized rule targets “ABAWDs,” so-called Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents, and goes into effect on April 1, 2020.
As a result of this rule change, about 90,000 ABAWDs in Pennsylvania will be at risk of losing their SNAP benefits. Adults aged 18-49 who are not living with children will only be able to get 3 months of SNAP benefits every 3 years unless they show that they qualify for an exemption for medical or other reasons, or, meet a required number of work and/or volunteer hours. If not exempt, the individual must work 20 hours a week, or do community service for about 26 hours a month.
During the webinar, we will explain the rule in detail, how ABAWDs can qualify for an exemption, how they can comply with the rule, and what you can do to help.
2/6/20: First PA law of 2020 Targets Human Trafficking!
Governor Wolf has signed into law – as Act 1 of 2020 – legislation overwhelmingly approved by the General Assembly last month that targets human trafficking. The laws outline stricter punishments and increased offenses for those who commit and solicit human trafficking. Now signed into law, Senate Bill 60, the so-called “Buyer Beware Act” seeks to curb consumer demand for human trafficking victims with greatly increased penalties including elevating a human trafficking offense to a first-degree felony.
“The trafficking of humans is unthinkable and that of children is especially reprehensible,” Gov. Wolf said. “No crime involving exploiting humans should be handled lightly and so I am pleased to sign these stricter punishments and increased offenses for those who commit this heinous crime.”
Read more about the law here.
PA 211 Day: February 11th, 2020.
February 11th is PA 211 Day! This year we achieved statewide access and launched PA 211 Counts, a real-time tracker of the community-specific needs Pennsylvanians are seeking.
The PA House and Senate also proposed resolutions designating February 11th, 2020 as “PA 211 Day”!
2/5/20: UWP Budget Recap:
Governor Wolf’s theme for the FY 20/21 budget is to give more opportunities to vulnerable populations to help realize The American Dream. Governor Wolf began the annual budget speech to a joint session of the PA House and Senate with a promise of no new taxes in this year’s budget.
Several things were highlighted throughout the budget address that are of interest to the work of United Way. The Governor highlighted investments in education, from federal child care funding to continued funding for Pre-K counts and Head Start Supplemental Program. Investments in early intervention and an establishment of a tuition program to provide financial assistance to full-time PASSHE students as well. Wolf also proposed an expansion of universal, free, full-day kindergarten for all Pennsylvanians.
Funding for workforce development initiatives is also in the budget, including $12 million in grant funding for innovative approaches to overcoming employment barriers as well as investments of federal dollars to meet the needs of individuals and families working toward family-sustaining wages.
Budget hearings are scheduled the weeks of Feb. 17th– Mar. 6th. To watch, visit pcntv.com
View a PowerPoint breakdown of the budget here.
Budget brief initiatives highlights here.
Line item spreadsheets here.