Pennsylvania’s legislature and Governor Wolf are currently in discussions about how to distribute around $1 billion in the second round of CARES Act funding for COVID-19 relief. RCPA and our partners advocated for funding in May from the first round of CARES Act funding. While we were successful in securing funding to keep providers afloat during the first few months of the pandemic, it is critical that the IDD system receive another infusion of funding in our to remain secure for the last few months of the year. Pennsylvania ID/A providers are experiencing a loss of revenue and increased costs of approximately $90 million per month due to COVID-19. In order to stay afloat through the last three months of 2020, we are requesting $270 Million in COVID-19 Relief Funding from the second round of CARES Act Funding. The decisions on COVID-19 Relief Funding Distribution will be made by the end of the month so the time to act is now.

We need your help! We are asking that you reach out to your Executive staff, Direct Support Professionals, and especially the family members of the individuals you support to help advocate for this critical funding. Here is a draft letter that can be used to send to legislators and talking points that outline the challenges faced by providers during the pandemic. Please feel free to customize the letter.

For further information, contact Carol Ferenz.