ODP Shares Information on True Friendships Free Learning Sessions
Advocacy
ABC27: Intellectual Disability Advocates Pushing for Increased Funding in Final Budget, RCPA President/CEO Richard Edley Quoted
Individuals, Providers, and Advocates Gather to Discuss Funding for Vital Disability Services in 2024/25 Budget
Self-advocates joined RCPA, several legislators, and other associations and provider organizations at a press conference to support ID/A funding in the state budget on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at the State Capitol in Harrisburg. As part of his 2024/25 budget proposal, Governor Josh Shapiro called for investing $483 million in state and federal funds into the network of care for individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism (ID/A). If enacted, the funding would allow more individuals to access professional support and services as well as relieve families of around-the-clock caregiving duties. ID/A providers across Pennsylvania have long called for increased state investments, and this allocation will allow providers to recruit and retain more direct support professionals (DSP) who have cared for these individuals at low wages. The lack of DSPs and funding have caused thousands of Pennsylvanians to wait months or more for services and support.
Sherri Landis of the Arc of PA spoke, as did Representatives Kinsey and Heffley.
In addition, many self-advocates, including DSPs and family members of those with ID/A, attended and spoke about the need for funding.
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National Council to Hold “Pride at the Intersections” Webinar on June 27
The Valley Ledger: Advocating for Pennsylvania’s Heroes: Supporting DSPs and Individuals With Disabilities
National Council for Mental Wellbeing Shares Advocacy Campaign for CCBHCs
ANCOR Shares Analysis of DOL’s Final Overtime Rule
Registration for the RCPA PAC Spring Golf Outing is Now Open!
Join RCPA for an afternoon of golf on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. The event will be held in support of the RCPA PAC and take place at a new location this year — the Colonial Golf & Tennis Club in Harrisburg, PA. Lunch will be at 11:30 am, with a shotgun start at 1:00 pm. Register to attend today!
We hope you will consider becoming a sponsor in support of this fundraiser. Sponsorship will allow your company to receive name recognition. We hope we can count on our support for this event.
Not a golfer but would still like to support the RCPA PAC? For your convenience, you can now make a personal online contribution, which will provide financial support to state legislators or representatives who have demonstrated a strong, consistent, and positive interest in our legislative priorities. If you are interested in learning more about the RCPA PAC or donating, please visit our website or email Jack Phillips, Director of Government Affairs.
We look forward to seeing you on the golf course!
PennWatch: Advocates Rally at PA Capitol for Increased Funding for Disability Services
RCPA Holds 2024 Capitol Day to Advocate for Health and Human Services
RCPA hosted our 2024 Capitol Day today, March 19 inside the Main Rotunda. The rally focused on workforce issues within health and human services as well as budget items addressed in Shapiro’s 2024/25 budget. You can view our 2024 legislative and administrative priorities here.
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RCPA President and CEO Richard Edley addressed the crowd, highlighting the continued need for funding, training, and assistance for those working in various areas of health and human services. |
Other organizations came to support our cause as well as to advocate for themselves, their families, and their loved ones. Sherri Landis, Executive Director of The Arc of PA, spoke to the audience, while RCPA member Step by Step, Inc. showed up dressed in orange, ready to stand and offer their support!
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Legislators also took to the stand to speak about the ongoing crises occurring in health and human services. Representative Stephen Kinsey and Representative Doyle Heffley, Co-Chairs for the House Human Services Committee, conveyed their support, as did Representative Dan Miller, Representative Frank Farry, and Senator Art Haywood, Co-Chair for the Senate Health & Human Services Committee.
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RCPA thanks everyone, from legislators and their staff to advocates representing their friends and families, for coming out and supporting our efforts today. We appreciate and admire the work you do for our communities and will continue to serve on your behalf!
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