Community Agencies in PA closing

[Jewel1310]

There is a budget impasse in Pennsylvania. You may have seen information on state workers not getting paid in past weeks. The legislature passed a special legislation to pay state workers, although some layoffs are occurring.

Sadly what you are not hearing about is the havoc this is causing to social service agencies and non profit programs in Pennsylvania. The state isn't making payment to any of those agencies. That means programs like homeless shelters, food banks, subsidized childcare, WIC programs, weatherization, meals on wheels, agency on aging programs are laying off or closing. My sister who runs an agency in Adams and Franklin county is closing the entire program because there is no money to pay staff or take care of clients. The state, who often pays 60 - 90 days behind is not making any payments at all. This will involve 2 homeless shelters, food banks, CCIS, WIC, weatherization, daycare and several other programs that server more than 23,000 people in these two counties.

Why - because no one will agree and work together to pass a budget and to keep the pressure on the they won't fund any programs. This is unconscionable.

My sister, and her staff, are sick over this. Some of the people in the homeless shelters have nothing - not even a car to live in. Some have children. What will employers do when their employees can't go to work because the daycares are closed??? I am hoping that if people are aware of this that possible the legislature will take some action to pass spending to keep the programs functioning while they work through the political issues. These agencies that quietly do their job day in and day out need your help.

Please don't stay silent if you live in PA. Every voice counts.

 

[Jewel1310]

No political intent with this post - just trying to get the word out

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

...Why - because no one will agree and work together to pass a budget and to keep the pressure on the they won't fund any programs...

If there is no money to spend, there is no money to spend - right? This is why it can be dangerous to place so much trust in the government. It has no money...

 

[Jewel1310]

that is the sad thing - there is money to spend. Most of the dollars are federal pass through. There is just disagreements over cuts in some programs and that is where the impasse is. If it were simple no money I would agree.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

that is the sad thing - there is money to spend. Most of the dollars are federal pass through. There is just disagreements over cuts in some programs and that is where the impasse is. If it were simple no money I would agree.

Wow! Sound like your state's politicians need to be fired, too...

 

[Jewel1310]

I guess time will tell. Hopefully there won't be too much damage before things smooth out.

 

[DisneyBamaFan]

I guess time will tell. Hopefully there won't be too much damage before things smooth out.

Either way, remember this the next time you visit the polls...

 

[Jewel1310]

True thought - thanks!

 

[RUDisney]

The problem is that Fast Eddie can't run again for governor. He has no cares about passing a budget or not. We can't vote him out because he can't run again.

From where I sit, he's making demands that are not in the best interest of the state. I admire the republican representatives and senators for not giving in to his folly.

I don't think that he would suggest the budget that he has if he could run again. All he has been doing is hurting the little guys... the state employees and those who need the state-funded programs. The elected representatives still get their per diems, so they aren't going without any money, plus their benefits are top notch, unlike the lowly state worker's.

It was just revealed that one of our state senators has been receiving rent money for a building that he owns for his office. Nothing like double dipping when you've got the power to do it.

Yep, we've got a lot of work to do with politicians in Harrisburg.

 

[Jewel1310]

I understand your point. I am trying to keep this from becoming a political thread that will be shut down. The only reason state workers were paid is because of the publicity. I am hoping that the same type of publicity starts for the agencies all through out PA that take care of our more vulnerable populations. Really critical services will not be available at a time when more people are needing these services than ever before.

Check with your local agencies to find out what is happening then place a call to the Gov, the legislature and the press. If an agency knows you support them and their clients it will give them a bit more hope. In the silence they are feeling alone.

 

[jrmasm]

There is a budget impasse in Pennsylvania. You may have seen information on state workers not getting paid in past weeks. The legislature passed a special legislation to pay state workers, although some layoffs are occurring.

FYI not all stateworkers are being paid. About 2000 are still waiting.

 

[wdwfan16]

that is the sad thing - there is money to spend. Most of the dollars are federal pass through. There is just disagreements over cuts in some programs and that is where the impasse is. If it were simple no money I would agree.

Rendell wants to raise taxes and that will hurt many too. Maybe tell Rendell to not raise taxes and then the budget will pass.

If Rendell gets his way then taxpayers suffer. If Rendell keeps butting heads with the legislature then the agencies who could get money suffer (and thus people). If Rendell give some then the budget passes and all suffer a little but one group does not only suffer.

 

[Jewel1310]

The budget impasse in Pennsylvania is almost at the 2 month point. Both parties are playing hard ball on this and holding many groups hostage with their inability to find a compromise.

Foster families, many caring for disabled children have not been paid since July 1.

Childcare providers who are caring for children receiving subsidized childcare are not receiving the state payments

Students who receive state college financial aid are not receiving their grant money.

State money to schools is not being paid.

Entities that contract with the state for services are not being paid. This includes homeless shelters, food banks, WIC programs, weatherization programs. In two counties near me an agency that handles all these programs closed their doors today. The state is so behind in payments for services rendered that they cannot pay staff. Thankfully they were able to keep their 2 homeless shelters open due to loans and donations from private citizens. It is so wrong.

All these entities have provided services that should be reimbursed according to their contracts with the state. It is criminal that the state is not paying - ALL TO MAKE A STATEMENT. As I have been told by representatives on both parties "to bring the other side to their knees". The only people being brought to their knees are citizens in the state of PA.

This is not about politics. I talked to both sides (several house/senate members) and they are all using these people as pawns. No company would be allowed to get away with this type of behavior. I don't work for a non profit or any of the agencies noted above but I do donate to them and appreciate the work they do. I am shocked at what the state is doing!

Please contact your legislature and ask that provisional funding legislature be passed to ensure critical functions in Pennsylvania continue.

 

[Nascia]

This is really effecting county and local governments as well. Several counties here will no longer be able to meet payroll beginning in Sept. Others are laying off workers in order to stretch their budgets. It has been reported that multiple services are going to be cut including those for children, the disabled and the homeless. It amazes me that this can even happen. The deadline is not a surprise, it happens the same time every year. I know what would happen to me if I REFUSED to complete my work by the deadline. Same thing should happen to all those not willing to compromise.

 

[Jewel1310]

Great points Nascia. this is affecting so many things. I agree - we would all be fired if we behaved the same way.