Critical service providers are united in our concerns over the ongoing state budget impasse and the harm the impasse is causing across a variety of services and organizations that support social connection for seniors, the health and safety of children, early care and education that working parents need to support their families. It negatively impacts food banks and food pantries working to address hunger and food insecurity, as well as services that help adults and children with intellectual disabilities, autism and mental health to participate in their schools and communities. 

A statewide coalition of these critical service providers surveyed more than 100 organizations representing all 67 counties in Pennsylvania, and all have the same message — our communities and the organizations that support them need a state budget.  Essential community infrastructure is being forced to cut or scale back programs essential to all community members.  

Without state funding, our community members are in danger. 

The effects of a budget impasse are not just impacting the services being provided, but long-term economic effects are just as alarming:

• Approximately 80% of our recent survey respondents reported that they will run out of contingency funds by October.
• Many nonprofits have already begun laying off or furloughing their employees, halting necessary programs in their communities.
• Some providers have temporarily closed their doors, while others are starting to take out high-interest loans, further impacting their financial stability in the future.

The longer the impasse continues, the deeper the damage to all of us will be. This damage will not be quickly undone and will have long-term consequences for our state. 

We ask you to send your lawmakers a message: pass our state budget now!