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Govt. Affairs

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On Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at 12:00 pm, the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) will host a webinar entitled Advocating for Addiction Reform.

This webinar will:

  • Walk through the process of how to contact your state and federal representatives.
  • Share effective ways to tell your story and advocate on behalf of yourself, your community, and your organization.
  • Provide updates on current legislation that will help advance addiction reform.
  • Highlight other partner organizations in the field and connect you with the larger statewide network.

Interested in partnering with Life Unites Us? Fill out the Become a Partner form on this page.

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They’re getting closer, but state budget negotiators haven’t quite reached a deal yet. Still, the word coming out of both General Assembly chambers is that the fiscal year 2020-2021 state budget should be wrapped up by Thursday.

State lawmakers have gotten a thumbs-up from the federal government to use the remaining $1.3 billion in CARES Act funding to offset General Fund budget items (mostly wages for front-line workers such as those of the Departments of Health and Corrections). This approval will make the process of finishing the final seven months of the 2020-2021 state budget easier (though some lawmakers, particularly Democrats, had a wish list of items – including support for front-line workers and businesses impacted by COVID-19 – on which to spend those dollars).

The CARES Act funding, along with an improved revenue situation, some money – maybe half – from the state’s $340 million Rainy Day Fund, a continuation of enhanced federal matching payments for the state’s Medicaid program (which lawmakers had initially thought would end), maybe a few targeted cuts, and possibly some dollars from a couple of state special funds, should close the budgetary gap left by the impact of COVID-19 and mitigation efforts to slow the virus spread, say those close to the budget discussions. Those same sources have said that increased spending will be limited, for the most part, to areas that involve mandatory spending, such as state debt payments and human services programs, with the rest of the budget changing little from the spending totals of the fiscal year 2019-2020 budget.

Source: Capitolwire: Under The Dome, November 18, 2020

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The state Senate met in a voting session on Monday with the Senate Appropriations Committee and then the full Senate as well as the state House of Representatives’ Appropriations Committee advancing legislation that is expected to be part of the package of bills needed to complete Pennsylvania’s state budget of which there are still seven months for which to provide. Senate Bill 1350 is currently a supplemental appropriations bill for the 2020-2021 General Fund budget, a legislative vehicle that could be amended at some point – GOP staff remain hopeful that it will be this week – when budget conversations produce a final product. The bill was reported out of the House Appropriations Committee yesterday and has already had its first day of consideration by the full House, positioning it for potential amendment when the House is in voting session on Wednesday with the possibility of a final vote on Thursday. No solid details have emerged regarding the budget other than that it’s not likely to have too much additional spending beyond what was spent throughout the prior year given the state’s current fiscal situation due to COVID-19 and the mitigation policies pursued with the goal of slowing the spread of the virus. There could be some areas that see targeted spending cuts, though with the sizable amount of mandatory expenditures in Pennsylvania’s budget, areas that can be cut are limited.

Source: Capitolwire: Under The Dome, November 17, 2020

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Empty vintage congress hall with seats and microphones.

On Tuesday, the Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus elected its legislative leaders for the 2021-2022 Legislative Session.

The Republican Leadership Team Consists of:

  • Speaker-Designee Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster);
  • Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin);
  • Majority Whip Donna Oberlander (R-Clarion/Armstrong/Forest);
  • Majority Appropriations Committee Chairman Stan Saylor (R-York);
  • Majority Policy Committee Chairman Marty Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter);
  • Majority Caucus Chairman Mike Reese (R-Westmoreland/Somerset);
  • Majority Caucus Secretary Martina White (R-Philadelphia); and
  • Majority Caucus Administrator Kurt Masser (R-Northumberland/Columbia/Montour).

When the House reconvenes for the 2021-2022 legislative session, the Republicans will hold at least a 113-90 majority.

The State Senate will be convening today to elect their leadership for the 2021-2022 Legislative Session. In the State Senate, one state senate race is still to be determined.

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We’re excited to announce that RCPA’s Direct Care Works initiative is now live. The workforce development pilot project is using social media platforms to engage potential applicants likely to be attracted to careers in health and human services.

We established a presence on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube (Look for LinkedIn soon!). As part of the pilot project, paid advertising will drive individuals to the Direct Care Works website, where they can learn more about the field and access job opportunities.

The initial paid campaign is focused on Allegheny County and some of the surrounding areas, yet we welcome members from throughout the Commonwealth to share information about employment opportunities for the job portal, as we will be sharing information on several social media channels that reach a statewide audience.

To include your organization in the DCW Job Portal, email directcareworks@paproviders.org with the following information:

  • Organization’s name and one line program description (approximately 15 words – see job portal for examples)
  • List of regions where your programs are operated (i.e., Central, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest)
  • Contact person
  • Website link where potential candidates can view organization information and employment openings

RCPA recently issued a release that details the project. Additionally, a social media toolkit has been developed, for our members to use the collateral materials as a way to enhance recruitment efforts and share the Direct Care Works networks with your own audiences.

For more information, please contact RCPA Children’s Division Director Jim Sharp or email directcareworks@paproviders.org

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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are hosting the Livengrin Friends & Fundraising Breakfast virtually this Friday, October 23. Thank you so much for your support for this event and your ongoing support to Livengrin. During these difficult times, our work is even more important with the rise in overdose deaths.

Please register for free through eventbrite so we know how many attendees will be online and share this link to your network. A link will be sent to login within the next few days.

You will not want to miss the incredible presentation from Kevin Sabett, MD on the 7 Myths of Marijuanna and also our award presentation to Livengrin Alumni, Sean Murphy.

REGISTER TODAY

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