For over three months the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has been operating without an approved budget, and Critical Service Providers are feeling the pinch. On Thursday, October 2, Pathways Forward CEO Patrick Slattery joined members of the Rehabilitation & Community Providers Association (RCPA) at a rally in the capital rotunda to urge the prompt passing of a state budget that invests appropriately in health and human services. According to Slattery, the lack of a state budget is placing strains on service providers who care for the segment of our population most as risk. These financial strains are stretching many providers to the breaking point, endangering the welfare of our citizens. These sentiments were echoed by others in attendance, including RCPA COO and Mental Health Policy Director Jim Sharp and United Way of PA President Kristen Rotz.
Pathways Forward, quite frankly, is lucky. Through the incredible efforts of our Case Managers, Supports Coordinators and other staff our financial position remains strong. Many of the agencies that we refer to are not so lucky. We recognize that all Critical Service Providers work as a team to provide the best possible care for our population, and when some agencies suffer, we all suffer. The answer is simple, says Slattery. “We get up EVERY day with our mission in mind and those we serve. We do our job. The Governor and the Legislature need to DO THEIR JOB. Pass the budget now!”