The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has been under a budget crisis since July 01, 2015 and will continue to be until a new budget is approved. Gov. Tom Wolf proposed a 1.8 billion tax increase which the State House voted against. Since the government has been unable to agree on a solid 2015-2016 budget plan, the interruption of revenues to nonprofits’ programs creates a stressful condition for their employees and their constituents.
Many nonprofits’ funds are severely depleting and there is serious concern about how to continue for the foreseeable future programs in the absence of customary state funding. The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence Executive Director Jennifer Snyder stated in a recent interview with Pennlive.com that “her organization has already cut back on transporting victims to medical and legal appointments; has asked women to stay with family instead of at their shelter, and has reduced counseling sessions.”
The Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofits (PANO), a First Nonprofit Group member, has been a remarkable supporter of nonprofits since 1984. PANO’s mission is to amplify the impact of the community benefit sector through advocacy, collaboration, learning and support. During the budget impasse, PANO has provided support for nonprofits through advocacy calls and webinars that provide information on how to raise dollars to get them through until a new budget is approved. For more information on PANO, visit www.pano.org.
Resources
• Pennsylvania budget talks are set to resume Wednesday – PennLive
• Pennsylvania’s domestic violence, sexual assault centers will soon start closing due to budget impasse, organizations say – PennLive
• In budget mire, far apart – The Inquirer
• Nonprofits say they may soon reach crisis point due to state budget impasse – Pittsburgh Post Gazette
