Northwest Region
Local cuts could follow state budget impasse (pdf)
By Mary Spicer, Meadville Tribune, August 07, 2009
With paychecks for approximately 77,000 state workers finally on the way, it may appear to a casual observer that the anxiety level surrounding Pennsylvania’s long-delayed state budget has dropped significantly. For many in Crawford County, however, the wait goes on. And on.
Mercer County Head Start Facing Layoffs
WYTV 33, August 17, 2009
Hold-ups and haggling over the Pennsylvania state budget in Harrisburg, mean layoffs are coming to Mercer County Head Start. Right now, early childhood education staff for about 10 state-funded classrooms are being put on hold.
Children's advocates show Rendell support (pdf)
By Associated Press, Butler Eagle, August 18, 2009
Children's advocates rallied behind Gov. Ed Rendell on Monday even as dollars for preschool and day care are drying up because of the state government's budget impasse.
Budget impasse hurting (pdf)
By Michele Scott, Butler Eagle Letters, August 20, 2009
I have been following the state budget crisis because it affects us. Nearly all of the children in my daycare center have single moms who are out there working for a living and need this child care.
Ambridge cancels pre-K program due to budget concerns (pdf)
By Larissa Theodore, Beaver County Times, August 20, 2009
State workers and day-care centers aren’t the only ones affected by the state budget impasse.
The Ambridge Area School Board voted Wednesday not to open a pre-kindergarten program for 3- and 4-year-olds because of a lack of funds from the state.
Pa. budget impasse stirs local action (pdf)
By Tom Davidson and Matt Snyder, The Herald, August 21, 2009
In plain sight on a shelf behind Michael Wright's desk at the Shenango Valley Urban league is a sign with the saying "one Day at a Time."
Daycare Center Protests Lack of Funding (pdf)
By David Croyle, Kittanning Paper, August 21, 2009
Happiness may be her motto, but Jeanette Cousins is anything but happy these days. The lack of payment from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is jeopardizing her business.
Preschool will not start without state budget - Some classes won't be able to start without state funding. (pdf)
The Derrick, August 25, 2009
The state budget delay is taking an immediate toll on state-funded preschool programs in Venango and surrounding counties. In Venango County, it appears as if three preschool classes serving 53 students will not begin on time.
Mercer County Child Care Suffers From State Budget Impasse (video)
WFMJ News, August 25, 2009
A Mercer County Rally highlights the impact of the budget impasse on child care.
Clearfield district joins chorus urging passage of Pa. budget (pdf)
By Jeff Corcino, The Progress News, August 26, 2009
At its meeting Monday night, the Clearfield Area School District Board of Directors passed a resolution urging the state to end the budget impasse while maintaining adequate funding for education.
Parents, providers call for end to Pa. budget impasse (pdf)
By Tom Davidson, The Herald, August 26, 2009
For the kids’ sake, enough already! That was the message of a “Rally in the Valley” at noon Tuesday in a parking lot at Highland Road and North Buhl Farm Drive to let state leaders know that locals feel the eight week budget standoff needs to end before more harm is done.
Families are pawns in dimwitted budget impasse (pdf)
By J.D. Prose, Beaver County Times, August 26, 2009
Thanks to the inability of Gov. Ed “Give Me Taxes or Give Pennsylvania Death” Rendell and Republican state Senate “leaders” to do their jobs and pass a state budget, day-care centers across Pennsylvania are losing state subsidies, forcing them to make severe cuts and, in worst-case scenarios, shutting their doors.
Ralliers raise voices in name of children's services (pdf)
By Ryan Smith, Meadville Tribune, August 26, 2009
A blond-haired little girl laughing, playing and running around Diamond Park on Wednesday, Grace Beach was indistinguishable from the rest of the many kids who were doing the same.
Cambria eyes cuts as funds dwindle (pdf)
By Sandra K. Reabuck, Tribune-Democrat, August 27, 2009
Cambria County is edging closer to layoffs or shortened work weeks for some human services employees with the ongoing deadlock over a state budget.
No way for state to treat children (pdf)
By Robin Moye, Beaver County Times, Letter to the Editor, August 28, 2009
I am the owner of two day care centers and employ 28 people. There are 250 children in my facilities, and their parents work in Allegheny, Beaver or Lawrence counties.
County workers, others protest state budget impasse (pdf)
By J.D. Prose, Beaver County Time, September 1, 2009
Tina Shannon’s small, home-based day-care business has only six children, but five of them are no longer being subsidized because the state has yet to pass a budget.
Running on Empty: Day care centers stung by lack of state funds (pdf)
By Chauncey Ross, Indiana Gazette, September 3, 2009
It is Day No. 64 of the Pennsylvania budget impasse. Indiana County Community Action Program laid off nine additional employees on Monday due to a lack of contracts to provide state funded services to the needy.
Budget fight's impact on children, needy to be focus of rally (pdf)
By Robb Frederick, Erie Times News, September 04, 2009
This is the trickle-down. Amy Nordstrom runs the Little Wonders Child Care center. She has 34 employees working at two sites in Erie.
Day Cares Rally for Budget (pdf)
By Lisa Weisman, WICU 12, September 4, 2009
For four days each week for the past four years, Mary Wayne takes her daughter Chelsea to day care. But now, Wayne is unsure of what the future holds.
Childcare providers urge lawmakers to pass budget (pdf)
Courier-Express, September 5, 2009
A solid child care program not only gives children a head-start on their education, it also makes it possible for many families to have two or more means of income. The state budget is now three months overdue and many child care providers are finding themselves cutting staff positions or even closing doors.
LTE: Budget Impasse Harms Education System (pdf)
By Susan Bloom, Gant Daily, September 10, 2009
Budget impasse crippling early education, affecting jobs, business, economy.
Southwest Region
Child-care subsidies delayed (pdf)
By Barbara S. Miller, Washington Observer Reporter, August 02, 2009
Washington County has sent letters to the providers of taxpayer-subsidized child care that payment for their services will be delayed because of the state budget impasse in Harrisburg. "We're asking them to keep providing care to subsidized kids."
Half of interim Pennsylvania budget vetoed (pdf)
By Brad Bumsted and Craig Smith, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Thursday, August 06, 2009
In an effort to gain political leverage, Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell on Wednesday vetoed $12.9 billion in a stopgap state budget bill, for services including help for autistic children, mental health services, child care and rape crisis programs.
Rendell vetoes leave some state agencies in limbo (pdf)
By Karamagi Rujumba, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, August 06, 2009
Human services providers and state agencies contend that unless Harrisburg moves to hammer out a budget deal soon, they will be forced into making some tough choices -- most likely drastic cuts in staff and services.
Day care centers may force kids out, or cut staff and operations (pdf)
By Chuck Biedka, Valley News Dispatch, August 08, 2009
Across the state, day care centers and thousands of children are among the losers in the ongoing, bitter budget fight between Gov. Ed Rendell and legislative leaders.
Budget impasse threatens children's day care (pdf)
By Jodi Weigand, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, August 08, 2009
"I'm concerned that many families won't have quality child care," said Darlene Bigler, CEO of Community Action West, a nonprofit agency that provides resources to low-income families in Washington and Greene counties. "Some (parents) may even be forced to quit their jobs because there won't be affordable child care."
Impasse could end day care for many children (pdf)
By Brad Bumsted and Debra Erdley, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, August 12, 2009
Jody Van Varenberg isn't sure how she'll pay the bills this month at Today's Tot, her small child-care center in Washington. The state subsidizes many of her children but hasn't paid Van Varenberg since June.
Day Cares Fear Fate As State Budget Battle Continues (pdf)
WTAE, August 11, 2009
Gov. Rendell: 'Holding Out For Budget That Makes Sense'--As the budget battle in Harrisburg continues, day care centers have been warned that state funding would stop immediately until the budget passes, forcing many of them to face closure.
Rendell's budget veto hurts Pa.'s 67 counties (pdf)
By Tom Barnes, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Harrisburg Bureau, August 12, 2009
However, by also vetoing $13 billion in expenditures, he made things tougher for many people and groups that depend on state funding. That includes the state's 67 counties, which depend on state funds to pay for a wide range of programs, such as reimbursements for county court costs, mental health/retardation programs, drug/alcohol treatment programs and services for the elderly, children and physically disabled.
Budget Delays Threaten Pa. Kids (pdf)
WTAE, August 12, 2009
Protests continue over Pennsylvania’s inability to pass a state budget, and Wednesday's protest was one of the most unusual demonstrations so far.
For the sake of children who have suffered enough, pass the budget (pdf)
Letters to the editor, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, August 13, 2009
As time moves forward without a state budget that includes adequate funding for county child welfare, the Allegheny County Department of Human Services Children Youth and Families Advisory Board becomes increasingly concerned. Our greatest concern is for the effect this stalemate may have on the 6,797 children of our county who are now receiving child welfare services.
Kids protest budget impasse (pdf)
By Barbara S. Miller, Washington Observer Reporter, August 13, 2009
Tracy McDermott of Washington, a cashier at Home Depot, said she'll have to quit her job if she has no one to care for her children, Katie, 6, and Robbie, 5. "I will be homeless on the street," said McDermott, 45. "It gives us no life."
Head Start preschool programs in Allegheny County face large cutbacks (pdf)
By Elanor Chute, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, August 18, 2009
At least 420 fewer children will be in public early childhood programs in Allegheny County this fall, part of the fallout from the state budget impasse in Harrisburg.
State Budget impasse putting pinch on children's programs (pdf)
By Tracie Maurello, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Harrisburg Bureau, August 18, 2009
Sarah Dye of Seton Hill Child Services in Westmoreland County has had to lay off staff and turn children away. So have operators of dozens of child care facilities who attended a news conference yesterday in Gov. Ed Rendell's reception room.
Pa. must not lose its educational gains - Open Letters (pdf)
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, August 18, 2009
I commend the Post-Gazette for the July 28 editorial ("Lesson One") explaining that Pennsylvania stands in danger of taking a huge step backward in education if we do not make our budget decisions carefully in the days ahead.
Rendell presses lawmakers to offer budget (pdf)
By Brad Bumsted, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, August 18, 2009
Gov. Ed Rendell on Monday chastised lawmakers for not putting enough effort into resolving the state budget crisis, but he did not say he would call leaders together to negotiate. "No more vacations. No more hiatus. No more going to the shore," Rendell said at a news conference he called to address the financial plight of early education and child care programs.
120 attend forum on budget cuts affecting Allegheny Intermediate Unit (pdf)
By Kaitlynn Riely, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, August 21, 2009
Today, Angie Marshall, the program director for the Butterfly Garden Early Learning Center in McKees Rocks, will be forced to lay off eight people from the center's 24-person staff.
Star pupil: Pa. scores show the value of education spending (pdf)
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, August 21, 2009
It's always nice to get an "atta boy" from Dad, which may explain why Gov. Ed Rendell chose to have Bill Cosby -- America's dad and Philadelphia's favorite son -- at his side when he touted Pennsylvania's performance in a nationwide educational study.
United Way survey details difficulties of nonprofits stranded by state budget impasse (pdf)
By Mike Wereschagin, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, August 22, 2009
The United Way on Friday released a survey of 500 agencies that shows some nonprofit organizations on the brink of collapse because lawmakers have failed to pass a state budget.
Fayette County social-service agencies may have to close (pdf)
By Chris Forman, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, August 22, 2009
Administrators for social-service agencies in Fayette County explained to state and county officials Friday that they'll have to shut their doors or operate with a skeleton crew in the coming weeks because of a state budget impasse that's withholding government funds that provide assistance to battered women, substance abusers, the elderly and the homeless.
A woman's job (pdf)
By Elsie Hillman and Jeanne Caliguri, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, August 23, 2009
Calling all women legislators! Enough already--it's time to pass a state budget.
Analysis: Political interests hold sway in budget battle (pdf)
By Tom Barnes, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, August 23, 2009
The prolonged battle over the 2009-10 state budget has as much to do with the gubernatorial and General Assembly elections of 2010 as it does with the financial crunch of 2009, say many politicians and Capitol observers.
Budget fight freezes pre-K programs (pdf)
By Amy Revak, Herald Standard, August 24, 2009
For the parents of nearly 200 children throughout Fayette County anticipating the first day of school today, they will have to wait a bit longer until classes begin. Because the state Legislature has not adopted a state budget, the beginning of state funded Pre-K Counts and Head Start programs are on hold across the commonwealth.
Budget Impasse Delays Pre-K School Video
WPXI, August 25, 2009
Interview of Sandi Hall, Head Start/Early Head Start and PA Pre-K Counts Director and a parent who has a child enrolled in a state-funded Head Start classroom.
Pa. budget impasse hurts social agencies (pdf)
By Tom Barnes and Jonathan Silver, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, August 25, 2009
A month ago, thousands of state employees protested about being "held hostage" by the state budget crisis, which was preventing them from getting paid on time.
Zimmerlink tells social agencies to plan for state budget impasse (pdf)
By Amy Revak, Herald Standard, August 25, 2009
The longer the state budget impasse continues, the more vital it is for social service agencies to have a plan of action for the future, according to Fayette County Commissioner Angela M. Zimmerlink.
Schools borrow funds as state cash flow stalls (pdf)
By Eleanor Chute, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, August 26, 2009
Unless a state budget passes in a hurry, school districts across the state tomorrow will miss out on their second state subsidy payment, estimated at $876 million.
State budget impasse sacks early learning programs (pdf)
By Judy Kroeger, Daily Courier, August 28, 2009
Another social service has fallen victim to the state budget stalemate: state-funded Pre-K programs through Head Start were not able to open for the new school year. Nearly 200 Fayette County children and their families are affected.
Lacking funds, several Head Start programs lay off employees (pdf)
By Jennifer Reeger, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, August 29, 2009
Nathanael Pomiabo saw firsthand how Head Start helped his son, Daelan. "I see the difference in him," said Pomiabo, 31, of Hunker. "It's all changed how much he's learned and how much he wants to learn."
Day-care providers plan rally on budget crisis (pdf)
By Deborah Todd, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, August 30, 2009
Day-care providers from Wilkinsburg and throughout Allegheny County will rally tomorrow to protest the state budget crisis, which organizers say is tying up much-needed subsidies.
Day-care providers protest delay in state payments (pdf)
By Deborah M. Todd, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, August 31, 2009
About 40 representatives from day-care providers throughout the county gathered in front of the YWCA of Pittsburgh on Wood Street, Downtown, this morning to protest the state budget impasse that has halted child care subsidy payments for more than a month.
Day-care providers protest delay in state payments (video)
By Nate Guidry, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, August 31, 2009
Representatives from day-care providers throughout the county gathered in front of the YWCA of Pittsburgh on Wood Street, Downtown, this morning to protest the state budget impasse that has halted child care subsidy payments for more than a month.
Armstrong County day-care center owners stage rally (pdf)
By Patrick Shuster, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, September 9, 2009
Shouts of "Pay My Mom!" rose from the street and steps at the Armstrong County Courthouse on Tuesday evening as a group of day-care center owners gathered to press for support for a state budget that includes funding for their centers.
Daycare Center Scapes By Withough State Budget (video)
By Mary Robb Jackson, KDKA, September 11, 2009
With no state budget, a daycare in Knoxville is struggling to operate.
Day Care Providers Protest In Pittsburgh Over Budget Impasse (pdf)
WTAE, September 14, 2009
Protesters Say No Budget For More Than 2 Months 'Crazy'
'No win' for nonprofits relying on state funds (pdf)
By Sadie Gurman, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, October 08, 2009
Even though state legislators appeared to be moving closer last night to ending an impasse over the state budget, people continue to feel the pervasive constraints from the stalemate, now in its 100th day.
State funding for children's services delayed, harming their agencies (pdf)
By Tim Puko, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, October 15, 2009
Children's programs end up winners under the new state budget, but the 101-day delay before its passage likely caused irreparable harm to child-services agencies, said child-welfare advocates Wednesday.
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Central Region
Child advocates blast Corman over budget (pdf)
By Tricia Pursell, The Daily Item, July 31, 2009
Advocates for an early childhood program are up in arms about proposed state budget cuts they say will cost 2,000 teachers their jobs, and 17,000 children access to crucial child care programs.
State Budget Stalemate, Day 39, Stuck in Limbo (pdf)
By Ed Mahon and Anne Danahy, Centre Daily Times, August 09, 2009
County, host of local services wonder how low funds can go before they hit bottom. State workers are expected to begin cashing paychecks this week. But universities, county governments, school districts, libraries and child care centers are bracing for a longer wait.
Pre-K program funding could be cut in half (pdf)
By Marjorie Stromberg, Lewistown Sentinel, August 10, 2009
With many local child care programs facing cuts under the proposed state budget, parents now are running out of options when it comes to places to send their children.
Lack of budget hits county hard (pdf)
By Kay Stephens, Altoona Mirror, August 12, 2009
"Currently, there is no [state] money coming in to pay our providers," county Children and Youth Services Director Maryanne Burger said Tuesday. Drug and Alcohol Administrator Judy Rosser said she has no state or federal money to pay agencies providing treatment services.
Parents rally for learning center (pdf)
By Amanda Clegg and Phil Ray, Altoona Mirror, August 13, 2009
Parent Georgina Sible has hoped someone or something might step in to save a local learning center she says saved her child from closing permanently. Her hopes have been partially answered.
State senator, schools chief clashing over Rendell visit (pdf)
By Wayne Laepple, The Daily Item, August 12, 2009
A Republican lawmaker and a school superintendent are still arguing over whether it was appropriate for the Milton district to host Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell’s Sunday morning press conference a month ago.
Impact of budget impasse (pdf)
Letter to the Editor, Daily American, August 12, 2009
Now that we are more than a month over due for a state budget for this fiscal year, our communities are starting to feel the pain of what cuts to early education would mean for families, businesses and communities.
Somerset County cuts spending amid state budget woes (pdf)
By Bernie Hornick, The Tribune-Democrat, August 18, 2009
Somerset County is blazing a trail for other counties on a path none wants to travel: Rollbacks forced by the state budget impasse.
Hundreds rally for budget passage (pdf)
By Sandra K. Reabuck, The Tribune-Democrat, August 20, 2009
More than 200 people rallied at the Cambria County Courthouse on Wednesday, demanding that state lawmakers and Gov. Ed Rendell end the budget impasse and quickly enact a plan that will fund core government services.
Budget impasse delays Head Start, pre-kindergarten (pdf)
By Vicki Rock, Daily American, August 20, 2009
Pre-kindergarten children won’t be starting school with older children this school year because of the state budget impasse.
Budget stalemate puts day care centers in bind (pdf)
By Gina Morton, The Daily Item, August 20, 2009
Valley child care centers are being forced to cut hours and reduce spending in an effort to avoid layoffs and closings while the state budget remains in limbo and subsidies are withheld from the facilities.
Starting Points for Early Childhood... Stopped (pdf)
By Tessa Mentus, WTAJ News, August 25, 2009
You've seen the angry protestors across the state, but there are others struggling because of the budget stand still. Maybe you haven't noticed them because they're much smaller, but their concerns are anything but tiny.
Opinion: Politicians need to put children first (pdf)
By Cathleen Palm, Centre Daily Times, August 26, 2009
Every parent has experienced a tug at the leg from an anxious little one begging for a story to be read, which leads to the hurried refrain, “in five minutes.” Two seconds, later there is that tug again, and it happens over and over because, to a child, five minutes can seem like an eternity.
A Major Injustice (pdf)
By David Thompson, Sun Gazette, August 28, 2009
Although the state budget impasse is putting the squeeze on many county programs that depend on state funding, the commissioners do not plan to lay off staff.
Parents of Pre-K Counts students travel to Harrisburg for meeting with Governor Ed Rendell (pdf)
Express-Times, Saturday August 29, 2009
A group of parents met Friday with Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell in Harrisburg to talk about the budget impasse and its effect on education funding.
Ongoing budget crisis may ‘get ugly’ (pdf)
By Phil Ray, Altoona Mirror, August 30, 2009
The budget stalemate in Harrisburg is slowly but undeniably putting financial pressure on the counties, human services and the school districts.
Day cares devastated by lack of state budget (pdf)
By Judy D. Ellich, Daily American, August 29, 2009
Many working parents and their child care providers are “devastated” by the state budget impasse, according to state and county officials.
Day care shutters without funding (pdf)
By Ashley Gurbal, Altoona Mirror, September 3, 2009
A notice to parents detailing the closure of Day Care Nite Care Wee Care is posted on the door of the facility Wednesday. The parents of about 90 children are scrambling for child care arrangements because Day Care Nite Care Wee Care in Altoona has announced it will close temporarily beginning Saturday.
Strain of impasse taking toll on Pa. (pdf)
Altoona Mirror, September 6, 2009
The temporary closing of a day care, layoffs at libraries, emergency shelters merging and worries of county officials and school administrators about how they are going to pay their bills show the mounting stress from Pennsylvania's budget impasse.
Somerset rally-goers tell Harrisburg: ‘We need a state budget now’ (pdf)
By Patrick Buchnowski, Tribune Democrat, September 9, 2009
Like so many, June Stimmel is angry with leaders in Harrisburg. A board member of Tableland, Stimmel has seen the faces of those who have lost work because of the state budget impasse.
Rally calls for state budget (pdf)
By Michelle Ganassi, Daily American, September 10, 2009
Somerset County Head Start Director Linda McDonough said the state would already have a budget if things in Harrisburg ran more like a kindergarten classroom.
Somerset demonstrators urge state to end impasse (pdf)
By Patrick Buchnowski, The Tribune-Democrat, September 10, 2009
Like so many, June Stimmel is angry with leaders in Harrisburg. A board member of Tableland Services Inc., Stimmel has seen the faces of those who have lost work because of the state budget impasse.
Social services suffered, Pa. budget deal or not (pdf)
By Marc Levy and Ramit Plushnick-Masti, Daily American, September 12, 2009
A tentative deal in Pennsylvania’s Capitol that could release billions of state dollars for schools and countless social services has come too late for people like Megan Shreve, Avona Proctor and hundreds of others whose lives have been disrupted by the political stalemate.
Child-care agency gets credit increase (pdf)
By Patrick Buchnowski, The Tribune-Democrat, September 15, 2009
The critical state of child care in Somerset County has prompted the county commissioners to double the credit available to Child Care Information Services, the agency that funds care providers.
Without state funding, Berwick YMCA forced to take out loan (pdf)
By Susan Schwartz, Press Enterprise, September 26, 2009
The Berwick YMCA is taking out a loan to keep its day care center open during the state budget crisis, and it's unlikely to get back the money it pays in interest, the executive director says.
Budget mess hurts child care (pdf)
By Susan Schwartz, Press Enterprise, September 26, 2009
Local child care providers haven't been paid by the state since June, forcing some to take out loans, and at least one to go to a food bank for groceries.
Day Care Struggles to Recover after Budget Impasse (pdf)
By Jon Meyer, WNEP, October 20, 2009
Ten days after the state budget stalemate ended $3 billion in overdue money has now been paid out to schools, agencies and more.
South Central Region
'Crisis' for county if state budget impasse too long (pdf)
By Tom Joyce, The York Daily Record, August 08, 2009
Children and Youth Services is in particular danger right now because nobody lobbies for that type of program. Families investigated for child abuse don't want the investigators there, and abused children don't hire lobbyists.
Subsidy delays pinch schools (pdf)
Patriot-News, August 08, 2009
Districts that counted on increases in Rendell's spending proposal are making contingency plans, borrowing and considering layoffs.
Rendell won't budge on education (pdf)
By Jan Murphy, Patriot-News, August 09, 2009
While calling on legislative leaders to get to work on finalizing the 2009-10 state budget, Gov. Ed Rendell went to bat Saturday for funding his highest priority in the 2009-10 state budget: education.
Editorial: Lack of budget is growing cause for concern (pdf)
By Patriot-News Editorial Board, August 09, 2009
The feeling of relief is spreading across 77,000 state workers who are finally getting paid. But make no mistake: Legislators and the governor should feel no sense of accomplishment because a stopgap budget was passed a few days ago.
SHORTFALL - Gettysburg School District braces for major program cuts (pdf)
by Alex J. Hayes, Gettysburg Times, August 12, 2009
Property owners in Gettysburg School District have not even received their 2009 tax bills, but school administrators are already thinking about their 2010-11 budget.
Day care providers forced to make difficult decisions to survive during budget impasse (pdf)
by Daniel Victor, Patriot-News, August 13, 2009
With the state budget impasse stalling delivery of a state subsidy for low-income families, many child care centers are balancing a duty to serve children with the reality that they can't pay all of their bills.
Budget rally today (pdf)
By Alex J. Hayes, Gettysburg Times, August 13, 2009
Judy Reuwer, community coordinator for the United Way of Adams County, expects several hundred people to attend today’s “no state budget impact awareness walk.”
Rendell shows support from children's advocates (pdf)
By Marc Levy, Associated Press, August 17, 2009
Children's advocates rallied behind Gov. Ed Rendell on Monday even as dollars for preschool and day care are drying up because of the state government's budget impasse.
Service workers take protest to Capitol (pdf)
By Alex J. Hayes, Gettysburg Times, August 18, 2009
About 40 people who have been telling the Adams and Franklin county communities for several weeks how the state budget impasse has been affecting them took their message to the state Capitol on Monday.
Franklin County Head Start forced to lay off 12 (pdf)
By Jennifer Fitch, The Herald-Mail, August 19, 2009
The Pennsylvania budget impasse has prompted the executive director of Franklin County Head Start to lay off 12 full-time employees and cut 90 enrollment positions for children.
State: Budget impasse delays $3.8B of stimulus (pdf)
By Jim T. Ryan, Central Penn Business Journal, August 20, 2009
Pennsylvania's budget impasse is preventing about $3.8 billion in federal economic-stimulus funding from being appropriated by the commonwealth, state officials said this week.
Day care dilemma - Availability is common problem for parents seeking child care (pdf)
By Julie Greene, Herald Mail, August 21, 2009
When Jessica Green needed to find a new child-care provider for her infant daughter, she ended up using a week's worth of sick time from work before she found a provider that worked for her.
Senator accuses Rendell of making children ‘hostages’ in budget battle (pdf)
By Keith L. Martin, Insurance & Financial Advisor, August 21, 2009
The budget stalemate in Harrisburg between Gov. Ed Rendell and Senate Republicans leaves several programs waiting for funding, including the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
Our state can't cut its way out of this crisis (pdf)
By Dwight Evans, Patriot-News, August 23, 2009
Before a performance at the Levitt Performing Arts Pavilion, a troupe member urged the audience to support the arts. "Call your legislators," she said.
Goal: $28 billion budget by Aug. 28 (pdf)
By Patriot-News Editorial Board, August 23, 2009
There was a lot happening at the state Capitol last week. it's just unfortunate not much of it was productive.
'Real pain' felt amid grandstanding on Pa. budget (pdf)
By Peter Jackson, Associated Press, August 23, 2009
Alarms are going off at the hundreds of agencies that provide help to children from low-income families, battered women, homeless people and other among Pennsylvania's most vulnerable citizens.
Programs from education to farming feel pain of Pennsylvania budget impasse (pdf)
By Patriot-News, August 24, 2009
Pennsylvania's seven-week-old budget stalemate has turned off the spigot that normally keeps billions of taxpayer dollars flowing for social services for the poor, prompting scores of nonprofit agencies to lay off workers, take out loans and cut back to survive.
Pennsylvania budget impasse takes toll on residents (pdf)
By Tami Luhby, CNNMoney.com August 24, 2009
As battle rages over Pennsylvania budget months overdue, residents lose vital services. Social service programs are among the first to go.
Schools Cope With State Budget Impasse (pdf)
WGAL, August 25, 2009
As classes resume, the state budget stalemate that has now lasted 56 days has left school officials across Pennsylvania wondering how to cover the cost of education.
Nearly $1.3 Billion in Payments to Pennsylvania School Districts Delayed Due to Budget Impasse (pdf)
PRNewswire-USNewswire, August 26, 2009
The scheduled Aug. 27 payment of more than $876 million to Pennsylvania's 500 school districts will not occur due to the lack of a state budget, Education Secretary Gerald L. Zahorchak announced today.
OUR VIEW: Pennsylvania's budget woes will have long-term impact (pdf)
By Becky Bennett , Chambersburg Public Opinion, August 26, 2009
The human toll of Pennsylvania's budget crisis continues to mount.
Child care hard hit by Pennsylvania petty politics (pdf)
By JoAnna Collins, Patriot-News, August 27, 2009
My name is JoAnna Collins. I am co- owner and Early Educational Director of Creative Play Day School, a school I started almost 17 years ago with only 15 children.
School districts still awaiting funds (pdf)
By Erica Dolson, Carlisle Sentinel, August 27, 2009
For the second month, the state budget impasse has prevented Pennsylvania school districts from receiving state funding, Education Secretary Gerald Zahorchak announced Wednesday.
Discussion at picnic turns to state's budget troubles (pdf)
By Vicky Taylor, Public Opinion, August 27, 2009
A Republican Congressman running for governor next year was a no-show Saturday at a summer picnic sponsored by the Franklin County Reagan Coalition, but several people in attendance said their state legislators were the people they wanted to hear from, anyway.
Raising taxes in Pennsylvania would be lesser of the budget evils (pdf)
by Stephen Herzenberg, Penn Live.com, August 28, 2009
The state must choose the course of action that does the least harm to the economy argues Herzenberg.
Pre-K Counts in budget limbo (pdf)
By Brian Wallace, Intelligencer Journal, Lancaster New Era, August 28, 2009
About $25 million in state funding that was supposed to arrive at local school districts this week has been delayed by the budget impasse in Harrisburg. That's on top of about $14 million in payments the state failed to make last month.
Pennsylvania lawmakers begin to make concessions to pass budget impasse; tax hike on cigarettes is likely (pdf)
By Charles Thompson, Patriot-News, August 28, 2009
The path has been hard, and at times state leaders might be taking two steps forward, as the saying goes, only to take one step back.
Thousands denied child care due to Pennsylvania budget cuts (pdf)
By Samuel Davidson, World Socialist Website, August 28, 2009
Childcare centers throughout Pennsylvania are closing, laying-off staff and turning away children, because state lawmakers have not reached agreement on a comprehensive budget nearly two months after last year’s budget ended June 30.
Compromise seems to be the dirty word in the Pennsylvania budget war (pdf)
By Jim Hook, Public Opinion, August 31, 2009
Homeless shelters are threatening to close. Food pantries are going bare, college loans delayed. Tight-fisted county commissioners are in a tizzy. Even school districts are starting to sweat. All are helpless in the face of a legislative process in Harrisburg that was supposed to produce a state budget in Harrisburg by July 1.
Budget woes may close Franklin Learning Center (pdf)
By Rob Luff, Public Opinion, August 31, 2009
Children with special needs could become the next victims of the state budget impasse, as special education providers say they may be forced to close if the state doesn't start paying educators.
Children and their education should be essential to the state (pdf)
by Robin Agerton, Patriot-News, September 01, 2009,
Tragically, there are about 20,000 children living in out-of-home care in this state. These uncared-for children enter the Pennsylvania child welfare system and are placed in foster or residential care dedicated to meeting the children's needs, helping them to flourish and grow, just as you would for your own child.
County to prioritize services for possible cuts (pdf)
By Joseph Cress, Carlisle Sentinel, September 4, 2009
Rick Rovegno is no doctor, but he knows when it is time to triage human service programs clinging to fiscal life support. With progress flat-lined on the state budget impasse, the Cumberland County commissioner asked staff Thursday to identify and prioritize the most critical consumer needs and services.
Impasse has local charities in $5M hole (pdf)
By Robert J. Woods, The York Daily Record - Opinion, September 4, 2009
The United Way of York County provides funding to programs of 34 partner agencies. In a recent survey conducted of the agencies, 22 indicated they receive state funding to support more than 40 specific programs.
United Way says budget impasse imperils its agencies (pdf)
By Kevin Horan, The York Daily Record, September 5, 2009
The state's budget impasse is forcing local organizations, missing millions in state money, to weigh cutting services against the community's need, an analysis by the United Way of York County says.
Don't cut education (pdf)
By Jean Houseal, Patriot-News, September 06, 2009
I agree with Dan Desmond's "As I See It" (Aug. 19) on the sad situation with the budget in Pennsylvania.
Day cares forced to turn away state-subsidized kids (pdf)
By Tersa McMinn, The York Daily Record, September 6, 2009
In July, some local child care center directors said their businesses were hurting because the state budget impasse has caused them to receive only 10 percent of their allocated state funding. It's now September, and the situation has gone from bad to worse.
Money OK'd for early education program (pdf)
Amanda Palleschi, Patriot-News, September 09, 2009
The Mechanicsburg Area School Board will fund the district's pre-kindergarten program in place of state funding delayed by the budget impasse.
On The Brink (pdf)
By Daniel Victor, Patriot-News, September 11, 2009
The first two months with out a state budget were difficult enough for Denise Hines, owner of the Colorful Future Childcare Center in Susquehanna Twp.
Social Services Suffered, Pa. Budget Deal or Not (pdf)
Fox 43, September 12, 2009
A tentative deal in Pennsylvania's Capitol that could release billions of state dollars for schools and countless social services has come too late for people like Megan Shreve, Avona Proctor and hundreds of others whose lives have been disrupted by the political stalemate.
Hanover area service agencies worry for future (pdf)
By Heather Faulhefer, The Evening Sun, September 13, 2009
A private vendor recently approached Tina Heffner, the executive director of the YWCA of Hanover, and asked if the organization was interested in doing business. She couldn't help but laugh.
Frustration over budget impasse grows among PA social service groups (pdf)
By Taunya English, WITF, September 16, 2009
Social service providers have rallied at the state Capitol, saying they're nearing a financial breaking point.
No cash flowing from budget deal (pdf)
By Tom Murse, Intelligencer Journal, Lancaster New Era, September 22, 2009
At a Lancaster day-care center, no one is getting paychecks, and the director has convinced some of his own creditors to allow him an extra month to pay personal bills.
State Budget Aftermath (pdf)
by Daniel Victor, Patriot-News, October 16, 2009
The wait and pain go on despite the new budget. Struggling child care centers still don't have their overdue subsidies. An official says they might get the money next week.
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Northeast Region
Priority must lie with early-childhood education programs (pdf)
Letter: Brenda Pickard, The Morning Call, August 05, 2009
When families look at tightening their belts, children always come first.
County has a backup plan to fund services (pdf)
By David Pierce, Pocono Record, August 08, 2009
Monroe County has a plan to keep services flowing to citizens who depend on social service agencies even if the state budget stall continues. For a while, at least.
Pennsylvania as whole will suffer from budget impasse's ripple effect (pdf)
The Morning Call, August 09, 2009
While the Pennsylvania Legislature tries to avoid an increase in the personal income tax to balance the budget, the ripple effect caused throughout our economy will result in the same end -- lost income to individuals and businesses.
Budget impasse hits home-based child care providers (pdf)
By Dustin Pangonis, Pottsville Republican, August 10, 2009
The "stopgap" state budget passed Wednesday will keep state workers paid, but it doesn't help home-based child care providers like Tina Butz.
Budget impasse straining day care (pdf)
By Matt Assad, The Morning Call, August 11, 2009
Centers are resorting to county loans, lines of credit, layoffs in lieu of state money. Last week's stopgap budget may mean 77,000 state workers are again getting paid, but child care center directors across the region say the budget impasse has left them scrambling to stay open without the state subsidies they are due.
Child-care business in jeopardy because no state budget approved (pdf)
By Gail Reaser, The Morning Call, August 11, 2009
If there is not any child care, then there will be no work force.
Bethlehem Area to cut 36 teaching positions (pdf)
By Tim Darragh and Steve Esack, The Morning Call, August 12, 2009
School district needs to pare $3.5 million, just 16 days before start of school year. Bethlehem Area School District employees, taxpayers and students woke up Tuesday to a leaner, meaner reality as administrators began scrambling to whack $3.5 million.
State budget impasse threatens children (pdf)
By Pamela Haydt, Pocono Record, August 17, 2009
The state budget impasse has affected the personal lives of so many people. However, we would like to address its impact on state-funded community programs and the nonprofit organizations that deliver them.
Pre-K classes shut down due to state budget impasse (pdf)
By Charles Schillinger, The Times-Tribune, August 18, 2009
The majority of low-income families who receive state subsidies for pre-kindergarten classes in Northeast Pennsylvania will be shut out of classrooms come Sept. 1 because of the failure of state legislators to pass a budget, state and local officials say.
Pre-K classes could be on the chopping block (pdf)
By Ben Wolfgang, Pottsville Republican, August 19, 2009
Fewer county children will have access to pre-kindergarten and other programs this year if state subsidies are cut when legislators and Gov. Ed Rendell eventually reach a budget deal.
District makes cuts over state budget woes (pdf)
By Annie Tasker, Bucks County Courier Times, August 19, 2009
A full-day kindergarten pilot program and four instructional coaching positions will be cut because of state budget uncertainties.
Child care centers are in ‘dire straits’ (pdf)
By James McGinnis, Bucks County Courier Times, August 20, 2009
Each year, Pennsylvania state government provides subsidies for an estimated 235,000 children from low-income families. Child care programs for low-income families in Bucks County could be shut down next month due to the inability of state lawmakers to pass a budget.
Impasse creates tough decisions for parents (pdf)
By Denise Allabaugh, Citizens Voice, August 20, 2009
As a result of the seven-week-old budget stalemate, 4-year-old Connor Carey will not get the therapy he needs.
Pennsylvania lawmakers discuss budget impasse (pdf)
By David Pierce, Pocono Record, August 21, 2009
State legislators and Gov. Ed Rendell are about seven weeks behind and $600 million apart on finalizing a $27- or $28-billion budget.
Monroe County temporarily fills funding gap (pdf)
By David Pierce, Pocono Record, August 21, 2009
Monroe County is fronting up to $500,000 per month on subsidized day care alone as the state budget impasse continues.
For many Bethlehem Area parents, no bus means no preschool (pdf)
By Tim Darragh, The Morning Call, August 21, 2009
Few options for low-income families after transportation funding was cut.
Rep: To solve budget, sequester Pa. leaders (pdf)
By Michael P. Buffer, The Times-Tribune, August 22, 2009
State legislative leaders should be sequestered until they agree to a budget compromise, state Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski said Friday to protest the state budget impasses that threatens human service funding.
Attendees say impasse is hurting state's children (pdf)
By Michael P. Buffer, The Times-Tribune, August 22, 2009
A series of speakers at Friday's "People First" rally touted successful human-service programs, which are now facing cuts in state funding.
Rally urges passing of budget (pdf)
By Sheena Delazio, Times Leader, August 22, 2009
A single mother who needs assistance so her daughter can attend day care. A foster mother who wouldn't have been able to adopt her children without Children and Youth Services. A mental health worker who had to go through treatment herself to become a member of society. All three women spoke Friday at a "People First" rally.
Impact of teen pregnancy goes far beyond individual families (pdf)
By Mike Urban, Reading Eagle, August 23, 2009
Programs for young mothers may prevent headaches for society later, social workers say.
Social service providers twist in the wind as politicians talk...and talk (pdf)
By John L. Micek, Scott Kraus and Matt Assad, The Morning Call, August 23, 2009
While Gov. Ed Rendell and state lawmakers have spent the past nine weeks squabbling over the long-delayed state budget, Elza Taylor has tried to figure out how she'll run her state-subsidized day care without the money she relies on from Harrisburg.
Lehigh County's human services should not be dependent on state funding (pdf)
By Scott Ott, The Morning Call, August 23, 2009
Citizens of Lehigh County have a government which can barely take care of itself or care for its neediest citizens. In the past three years, the situation has grown worse, placing some of the most vulnerable local people in jeopardy.
Pain ripples across Pennsylvania (pdf)
By Laura Legere and Charles Schillinger, The Times-Tribune, August 23, 2009
With a prayer, the pledge of allegiance and a rendition of "God Bless America" about 100 seniors sit down for lunch at the West Side Senior Center every weekday for a hot meal they can get for a dollar donation or less.
Budget stalemate hurts most vulnerable - children (pdf)
By State Rep. Ronald G. Waters, The Citizen's Voice, Letters to the Editor, August 24, 2009
Child care services are one of the taxpayer-subsidized programs jeopardized by the budget stalemate.
Budget impasse threatens gains in childhood development (pdf)
By Laura Legere and Sarah Hofius Hall, The Times-Tribune, August 24, 2009
Serena Davis, 7 of Blakely, plays doctor Thursday with a doll at Treasure House Child Development Center in Blakely. Pre-kindergarten teachers there have taken a cut in pay because state subsidies have dried up.
200 gather to protest Bethlehem Area budget cuts (pdf)
By Steve Esack, The Morning Call, August 24, 2009
One after the other, they grabbed a faulty microphone Sunday in Bethlehem to speak -- sometimes conciliatory, sometimes angrily but always passionately -- for those who live in the shadows of society and the corners of public education.
Bethlehem School District Parents, Others Rally Against Cuts (pdf)
WFMZ-TV, August 24, 2009
Pennsylvania's budget impasse is causing some heavy damage in the Bethlehem Area School District. Last week, the school board cut $2.8 million from the district budget, leaving virtually no program untouched, and forcing layoffs, just days before the start of the school year.
Budget Impasse Impacting Susquehanna County Video
WNEP, August 25, 2009
It's the start of another week without a state budget. Monday marked day 55 of the stalemate in Harrisburg. Now, more and more agencies are facing shut down because they are not getting state funding.
Budget proposal may be more harmful than impasse to children (pdf)
By Carol Obando-Derstine, The Morning Call, August 25, 2009
The budget impasse is creating a crisis for many children and their families, but it is nothing compared to the devastation that the system would feel if the budget plan Senate Bill 850 were passed in full.
School district budgets in Poconos left in limbo by Harrisburg (pdf)
By Dan Berrett, Pocono Record, August 27, 2009
The continued logjam over Pennsylvania's budget has translated into $18 million in missing state aid for the four local school districts.
State budget impasse crippling subsidized child care centers in Berks (pdf)
By Mary E. Young, Reading Eagle, August 27, 2009
Many state-subsidized child care centers might close if the state budget impasse is not soon resolved, Terry Casey, president of the Pennsylvania Child Care Association said.
Children caught in budgetary crossfire (pdf)
By John L. Micek, The Morning Call, August 29, 2009
Caught in the crossfire of this year's state budget battle, Brandy Hollender's voice cracks when she talks about the choices she's facing for finding child care for her 4-year-old son.
Pre-K spending adds up to savings (pdf)
By Sharon McCrone, The Times Tribune, August 31, 2009
Why should taxpayers support funding of programs for children from families with low incomes? The answer, for those who question such financial support, is clear and simple.
Boscola's choices are popular but not good public policy (pdf)
By John Reynolds, The Morning Call, September 1, 2009
While Sen. Lisa Boscola might well be voting according to many of her constituents' preferences and acting independent of her party, she supports a budget proposal, Senate Bill 850, which is clearly adverse to the interests of children and working families.
State budget crisis hits local day cares (pdf)
By Andrew M. Seder, Times Leader, September 1, 2009
As the state budget impasse drags on into its third month, it’s not only state employees who are going without paychecks.
Parents, kids, child care workers rally in Reading for state budget (pdf)
By Mary E. Young, Reading Eagle, September 03, 2009
The message delivered Wednesday by more than 250 parents, children and child care workers was clear. They want a state budget passed, and they want it now so state-subsidized child care centers are not forced to close because of lack of funding.
State budget impasse strains childcare (pdf)
By Tammy Compton, Wayne Independent, September 03, 2009
Two months have passed since the state budget was due, placing strain on childcare providers.
Rally to Save Pre-K Funding in Lackawanna County (pdf)
By Eric Deabill, WBRE, September 03, 2009
The state of Pennsylvania has now been without a budget for 65 days. As lawmakers continue to fight over funding, a group of people came together Thursday morning in Lackawanna County.
State budget woes crippling local agencies (pdf)
By David Hulse, The Pike County Courier, September 3, 2009
Pennsylvania’s failure to complete a budget is bringing down vital services for the sick, elderly and the very young — those least able to deal with it — agency spokespersons told Pike’s commissioners Wednesday.
Pike in Crisis (pdf)
By Pat Camuso, The Pike County Press, September 3, 2009
As Pennsylvania enters a third month with no state budget, Pike County commissioners heard at their Wednesday, Sept. 2 meeting from desperate service providers who are frantically cutting back on services with more drastic cuts in the offing.
Preschoolers missing out (pdf)
BY Borys Krawczeniuk, The Times-Tribune, September 04, 2009
At least 10 preschools in Lackawanna, Wayne and Susquehanna counties that teach low-income children either remain closed or are struggling to stay open because of the state budget standoff, officials said Thursday.
Law Enforcement Pushes for Early Education (pdf)
By Trish Hartman, WNEP-TV, September 04, 2009
Police visited classrooms in Scranton Thursday, trying to send a message to lawmakers in Harrisburg who have yet to pass a state budget.
Fallout from budget logjam will break kids' hearts (pdf)
By Mary Young, Reading Eagle, September 05, 2009
Reading resident Tammy Ashjean gets a state child care subsidy for her 5-year-old daughter, River. That enables Ashjean to support herself and River by working at Reading Area Community College.
BCIU must borrow after state budget bickering interrupts flow of funds (pdf)
By David Mekeel, Reading Eagle, September 9, 2009
The Berks County Intermediate Unit, which provides a range of school services, may have to borrow up to $15 million because of the state's continuing budget impasse.
County Calls on Taxpayers to Pressure Capitol on Budget (pdf)
By James Worrell, Pike County Dispatch, September 10, 2009
County commissioners last week called on the public to pressure Harrisburg to pass the state budget.
Bipartisan Effort Can Balance State Budget, Siptroth Says (pdf)
By Ken Baumel, Pike County Dispatch, September 10, 2009
State Rep. John Siptroth is concerned about the continuing state budget crisis that affects state workers and county funding for education and social services.
State budget impasse: Some child care centers in Berks shut; others on brink of closing (pdf)
By Mike Urban, Reading Eagle, October 8, 2009
Having gone 100 days, as of today, without a budget, the state has not sent a full month's payment since June to centers that qualify for daytime child care subsidies.
Southeast Region
Vendors need a budget agreement (pdf)
Philadelphia Inquirer Letters, August 08, 2009
The signing of a partial budget by Gov. Rendell solves only the problem of stalled worker payments and state-operated services. Employees, vendors, and service recipients dependent on contracted services will suffer because the budget has not been passed.
Protesters decry possible Pa. budget cuts (pdf)
By Joelle Farrell and Mario F. Cattabiani, Philadelphia Inquirer, August 12, 2009
Each day that passes without a state budget means that organizations waiting for state aid must make do, and the pantry is getting bare.
Budget impasse a crisis for daycare centers (pdf)
By Jeff Gammage and Mario F. Cattabiani, Philadelphia Inquirer, August 13, 2009
Pennsylvania day-care centers that serve the children of low-income parents say they will soon be forced to turn away youngsters, a suggestion that the social-services safety net, frayed by the state budget impasse, is beginning to tear.
Child care agencies hurt by budget stall (pdf)
By Timothy Logue, Delaware County Daily Times, August 13, 2009
From infants to toddlers to young teens, Veronica Crisp has more than 500 children at her five Step by Step Child Care facilities in Delaware County. She receives partial reimbursement from the state for roughly 70 percent of them — at least she used to before the July 1 state budget deadline came and went.
Montgomery County Taps Emergency Reserve to Fund Human Services (pdf)
Montgomery County Office of Communications, August 13, 2009
Montgomery County will delve into its emergency reserve funds to pay the people who provide services to its children, elderly and developmentally disabled residents.
Rendell: Early education ‘a very important issue’ (pdf)
By John M. Roman, Delaware County Times, August 16, 2009
Gov. Ed Rendell hammered away at the Republican-inspired Senate Bill 850 and the need to end the budget impasse in Harrisburg as he visited a child learning center Saturday that would be impacted by funding cuts for early childhood education.
Little talk, less action on Pa. budget (pdf)
By Amy Worden and Mario F. Cattabiani, Philadelphia Inquirer, Harrisburg Bureau, August 18, 2009
The wheels of government are continuing to turn in the state Capitol through what would have been summer recess.
A life on hold in budget stall (pdf)
By Karen Heller, Philadelphia Inquirer, August 18, 2009
Let's put a face and a name to the Pennsylvania Budget Ipasses of 2009, now in its seventh week, lumbering out of the summer and into the school year.
State budget woes may jeopardize day care (pdf)
By Evan Brandt, The Mercury, August 19, 2009,
The state budget impasse is about to come home for 126 families in the borough. The seven-week-old budget staring contest between Gov. Ed Rendell and the state Legislature is now threatening to cut off day care and early education programs in Pottstown and throughout the state.
Opinion: Harrisburg's tantrum on state budget hitting home (pdf)
Pottstown Mercury, August 20, 2009
Harrisburg's tantrum is hitting home in Pottstown. More than 120 families are about to become the latest victims of the budget impasse between Gov. Ed Rendell and the state Legislature.
County cash keeping critical services going (pdf)
By Margaret Gibbons,The Intelligencer, August 21, 2009
An Ambler day care center operator Thursday broke down in tears while thanking the Montgomery County commissioners for stepping in with county dollars to cover day care subsidies that dried up at the end of June because of the budget impasse in Harrisburg.
Feeling impasse's impact (pdf)
The Times Herald, August 21, 2009
County Commissioner Joseph M. Hoeffel III speaks to the crowd who assembled at the county courthouse Thursday for children and families during the state budget impasse. The commissioners were thanked for releasing funds to social service programs, according to Montgomery County Child Care Consortium Director Erin Connolly Shaffer.
Montco commissioners approve emergency funding (pdf)
By Keith Phucas, The Times Herald, August 21, 2009
Montgomery County plans to mail out $3 million worth of checks to help keep numerous human services programs operating during Harrisburg’s budget impasse, according to Human Services Director Joseph Roynan.
Counties squeezed by Pa. budget standoff (pdf)
By Derrick Nunnally, Philadelphia Inquirer, August 24, 2009
Across Pennsylvania, county governments are finding themselves on the hook to keep state-funded local services - from transportation for the disabled to day care - running during Harrisburg's budget stalemate.
Protesters calling for more money for early education (pdf)
By Timothy Logue, Delaware County Times, August 25, 2009
Several dozen demonstrators gathered outside the district office of state Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi Monday afternoon to protest cuts to early childhood education programs contained in a budget bill supported by the senator.
Budget stalemate stabs day care in back (pdf)
By Linn Washington Jr., Philadelphia Tribune, August 25, 2009
Peake sat inside her day care facility at 52nd Street and Baltimore Avenue desperately trying to figure out how she can reopen the center she’s operated for over 20 years.
Social Service Agencies Demand End to Pa. Budget Stalemate (pdf)
By Steve Tawa, KYW Newsradio 1060 Philadelphia, August 26, 2009
Hundreds of people rallied on Wednesday in front of the Delaware County courthouse in Media, Pa., to remind state officials that their budget impasse is devastating some of Pennsylvania's most vulnerable people.
Letters: Education secretary responds to Baer column (pdf)
By Gerald Zahorchak, Philadelphia Daily News, August 31, 2009
Columnist John Baer's claim that "nobody in the budget battle is talking about cutting education funding" is simply wrong. The fact is that the Republican plan cuts $1 billion compared to the amount that the state invested in last year's education budget.
Letters: A program GOP shouldn't be cutting (pdf)
By Christie Balka, Philadelphia Daily News, August 31, 2009
When columnist John Baer writes that cutting state early childhood education programs is debatable, he ignores 40 years of research showing these programs increase academic achievement and graduation rates, and reduce special education, juvenile justice and welfare costs.
Phila. Area Daycare Workers Protest Pa. Budget Delay (pdf)
By Al Novack, KYW Newsradio, August 31, 2009
Some Philadelphia area daycare centers were closed on Monday so their staff members could participate in protests over the lack of a Pennsylvania state budget.
State budget impasse is hurting YWCA programs locally (pdf)
By Maureen Powers, The Mercury, September 05, 2009
State budget negotiations have stood at an impasse since the passage of the Governor's Stopgap budget. State workers are now receiving paychecks, but organizations and agencies with state contracts are still not being paid for their services.
State budget impasse having ripple effect (pdf)
By Evan Brandt, The Mercury, September 06, 2009
As Pennsylvania forges further into its fiscal year with the distinction of being the only state in the union without a budget, its impacts are being felt throughout the community.
The ‘responsible’ Pa. budget is anything but (pdf)
By Sheila Simmons, Delaware County Times, September 07, 2009
With respect to state Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi’s comments about Harrisburg’s “responsible” budget for hard-working people: Hard-working people also expect to send their children to quality public schools. But that’s threatened with this “responsible” budget.
Rally attendees decry education funding cuts (pdf)
By Laura Wiseley, Delaware County Times, September 15, 2009
Amie Mansaray knows exactly what will happen if the proposed Pennsylvania state budget passes in its current form. “We wouldn’t be able to make it,” the Sharon Hill resident said.
Pa. budget stalemate is killing social services (pdf)
By Jeff Gammage, Philadelphia Inquirer, September 17. 2009
A pile of unopened mail sits on the front counter. Incoming phone calls go directly to the voice-mail system. Beyond the front desk - unattended because the receptionist was laid off - are darkened offices and empty cubicles.
Budget flap is costing care-givers (pdf)
By Mari Saito, Philadelphia Daily News, October 9, 2009
Janet Zarisky, a mother of five who also provides state-funded child care to three other children in her home, hasn't been paid since August.
Social-service providers struggle for normalcy (pdf)
By Amy Worden, Alfred Lubrano, and Dan Hardy, Philadelphia Inquirer, October 14, 2009
Funding might be flowing from Harrisburg again, but the social-service providers who help the vulnerable say the state's 101-day budget impasse has left them deep in debt with vendors and banks, and scrambling to restart programs and rehire staff.
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