June 5–11 is Community Health Improvement Week
Advocacy
The Growing Acceptance of Autism in the Workplace
‘If Not Now, When?’ Advocates for Those Living With Intellectual, Developmental Disabilities Rally at the Capitol
A Pennsylvania Gathering: Critical Topics in Autism — Virtual Event July 21
Interested in hearing the stories from others about communication, advocacy, and maintaining connections? ASERT will continue their Critical Topics in Autism series led by self-advocates on July 21, 2022, from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
RCPA Capitol Day Information
RCPA will be hosting our 2022 Capitol Day on Tuesday, May 24. We will have a press conference/rally on the steps of the Capitol outside the Main Rotunda between 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm. RCPA requests members schedule appointments with their Senate and House legislators to discuss the state budget, legislation, and regulations, and we have created a one-pager with talking points for members to utilize in their meetings.
Parking and maps can be found on the Pennsylvania Capitol website. If you have questions regarding our 2022 Capitol Day, please contact Jack Phillips.
RCPA Signs in Support of State Supplemental Income Increase for Personal Care Homes
RCPA, with several other health and human services stakeholders, has signed in support of a series of letters written by the Alliance for Low-Income Personal Care Home Advancement (ALPHA) requesting legislators’ support of Governor Wolf’s $50 million increase to state supplemental security income. This increase would work to protect low-income residents in personal care homes from losing their places of residence. You can view one of the letters sent here. Letters were addressed to leaders of both parties in both the PA House and Senate.
Blair Commissioner Joins Plea for Mental Health Funds
Two West Chester Moms Created a Nonprofit Flower Shop to Provide Meaningful Work for People With Intellectual Disabilities
This Chester County Family Fights for the Rights of Those With Disabilities
Don’t Wait for Election Day. Act Now!
You don’t need to wait for election day to have your voice heard.
State lawmakers wrapped up business in Harrisburg and returned home last week to campaign in earnest for the May 17 primary election. Because every vote counts, every voice matters. Especially now, in the weeks leading up to the election, lawmakers are sensitive to constituents’ concerns and want to hear from you.
Take advantage of this opportunity to reach out and urge lawmakers to increase funding to support human services professionals, so individuals and families in need get the assistance and care they deserve.
So far, the outpouring of support has been incredible. Since the governor unveiled his 2022/23 budget proposal in February, more than 4,000 individuals have contacted their local lawmakers urging them to act. We need to build on this momentum.
Once the election finishes, lawmakers will begin crafting a final budget before the end of the fiscal year, June 30. Pennsylvania is sitting on billions of federal dollars and state “rainy day” funds that could increase wages to help us attract and retain human service professionals.
It’s critical that our senators and representatives understand how this workforce crisis is affecting our most vulnerable individuals and families, as well as the providers and professionals who serve them.
Please USE THIS LINK to learn how you can help and urge your networks to do the same. Most importantly, TAKE ACTION TODAY. Tell lawmakers to increase funding to address the workforce crisis facing Pennsylvania’s health and human services.
Prev