Shapiro Administration Highlights Major Win In Securing Medicaid Coverage For Street Medicine Health Care During Visit To RCPA Member Pittsburgh Mercy
Shapiro Administration
Governor Josh Shapiro Appoints TJ Yablonski as Secretary of Legislative Affairs
Governor Shapiro’s Office Launches New Phone Number for Direct Communication
Governor Shapiro’s Office has launched a new phone number, which will allow him and his Administration to communicate directly with Pennsylvanians on important updates and hear from them on issues impacting them and their families. This communication is made possible through Community, an SMS engagement platform that connects elected officials, businesses, public figures, and sports teams to their audiences through unique 10-digit phone numbers.
Why is the Governor launching this number?
Governor Shapiro fundamentally believes there should be no wrong door to access government, whether you are calling an office, walking into a government building, or (now!) sending a text. The Governor has made meeting Pennsylvanians where they are a key aspect of his Administration — from connecting with Pennsylvanians everyday on social media to engaging content creators around important events and updates.
How do I sign up to receive texts?
Signing up is easy — all you have to do is text 717-788-8990, or visit this link! Make sure you follow the prompts after you text to continue receiving messages from the Governor.
Governor Shapiro Proclaims Falls Prevention Awareness Week for Sept. 18–22
Gov. Shapiro Has Provided a Beacon of Hope to Families That Desperately Needed One | Opinion
Disability Service Providers Hopeful About Shapiro Addressing Rate Issues: RCPA President/CEO Richard Edley Quoted
Governor Shapiro Announces Juvenile Justice Week Proclamation
The Juvenile Justice Week proclamation, signed by Governor Shapiro, designates October 1–7, 2023, as Juvenile Justice Week, calling on Pennsylvanians, government agencies, institutions, and schools to raise awareness and understanding of juvenile justice. The proclamation highlights the mission and principles of Pennsylvania’s juvenile justice system. It emphasizes the importance of providing balanced attention to community protection, offender accountability, and the rehabilitation of juveniles within the system. The proclamation also underscores the principles of restorative justice, with a focus on repairing harm to crime victims and communities and ensuring that all parties involved, including victims and offenders, receive tangible benefits from their interactions with the juvenile justice system. Lastly, it emphasizes fair and unbiased treatment in all aspects within the system.
Governor Shapiro Proclaims Sept. 10–16 as Direct Support Professionals Week
Message from ODP Deputy Secretary Kristin Ahrens:
It is a great source of pride for me that my career in this field began with work as a direct support professional (DSP). More than 30 years ago I was a DSP, first in a private family home and then in residential programs. I know firsthand how difficult the work can be, how exhausting it can be when pulled in to work extra shifts because of staffing shortages. I also know how rewarding it can be when you support someone to live life the way they want or help them achieve something they have worked for, no matter how big or small that achievement is.
The work of DSPs is challenging work. Here in the commonwealth, with our commitment to the vision of Everyday Lives for people with disabilities, we ask a great deal of our DSPs. We ask DSPs to support people with their often complicated medical and behavioral needs and with their physical, social and emotional needs. We ask DSPs to assist people to develop and maintain meaningful relationships with others in the community. We ask DSPs to support people, regardless of how high their support needs are, to live Everyday Lives like any other Pennsylvanian.
With this background, I am pleased to share with you Governor Shapiro’s proclamation that September 10-16 is Direct Support Professional Week honoring the profession and DSPs throughout the commonwealth.
RCPA Members Encouraged to Submit Comments and Complete Survey on Master Plan for Older Adults
On May 25, 2023, Governor Shapiro signed Executive Order 2023-09 — Pennsylvania’s Master Plan for Older Adults. This Executive Order directs the Pennsylvania Department of Aging to lead the Master Plan for Older Adults, a state-led, stakeholder-driven, 10-year strategic planning resource that can help states transform their infrastructure and coordination of services for older adult and disability populations.
The Department of Aging has been leading stakeholder listening sessions and presenting at various venues across the state in order to gather input and comments that will support the development of the master plan. Visit here to see the dates and times of virtual listening sessions planned in September; included in these sessions is a PowerPoint presentation.
Members are encouraged to contribute what you think should be the plan’s priority goals, objectives, and initiatives to support the highest quality of life for older adults. Comments can be shared here, via email, or by mail to Pennsylvania Department of Aging c/o Master Plan, 555 Walnut Street, 5th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101.
Members are also encouraged to complete the Needs Assessment Survey, which is designed to capture the experience of older adults and adults with disabilities. The survey will remain open until September 30, 2023.
Pa. Senate Includes School Voucher Plan in Approving Special Line Items
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