Update and Reminder: Pennsylvania’s Budget

Pennsylvania does not yet have a final budget for the current fiscal year that started on July 1. Budget negotiations continue. The dollar amounts have not been decided.

The Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania (DRN) supports a final state budget that provides full funding for people with disabilities to have appropriate home and community-based services, to receive a free appropriate public education, and to get jobs in the community. Click here for our recommendations on the budget.

Click here for a chart that compares last year’s budget, the Governor’s proposed budget for this year, and House Bill 1192 (which passed by the General Assembly and vetoed by the Governor on June 30). All numbers are state dollars.

DRN recommends that you continue to reach out to your Senator and Representative about the importance of funding for disability-related services. Call, email, or schedule a time to meet with them in their district offices. Thank them for their support. Ask them to speak to their leadership to ask that at least the dollar amounts in House Bill 1192 be appropriated for the final budget, as well as increases in needed areas. Click here to find your Senator and Representative and their contact information.

We also recommend that you continue to reach out to the Governor’s Office. Thank the Governor for his continued support of initiatives for people with disabilities. Click here to email the Office of the Governor.

Thank you for your efforts. We will continue to keep you informed.

Contact:

Chava Kintisch, Esquire
Director of Civic and Government Affairs
ckintisch@drnpa.org
215-238-8070, extension 210
877-375-7139 (TTY)

Thank you,
Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania
Offices in Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh
1-800-692-7443
www.drnpa.org