Self-Sufficiency Reporter January 2007  

>Welfare Reform Update
>In Memory...
>Minimum Wage Increase
>Upcoming Events
>Recent Events at PathWaysPA
>Focus on... Philadelphia
>Election Update
>Focus on... Childbirth at a Crossroads
>Free Tax Preparation
>Focus on... Medication Errors

In 2006, when the public heard about Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program (TANF) in Pennsylvania, it was often to examine the amount of money spent on welfare. While some of these articles presented an accurate assessment of the costs and benefits associated with TANF, many more depicted TANF spending as being through the roof, usually by attributing all spending by the Department of Public Welfare as cash assistance.
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We would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone for your cards, thoughts, and prayers at the loss of our Office Services Administrator Louise Capriotti. 

 

For those of you who are not aware, we lost Louise in a tragic incident of domestic violence.  Her husband was killed later on the same day by police.  Louise was a very lively and spirited presence in our office.  She did so much for so many, and she will be greatly missed.
To learn about making a contribution to the trust for the Capriotti children in Louise's memory, please click here

 

On January 1, 2007, Pennsylvania's minimum wage increased from $5.15/hour to $6.25/hour for most low-wage workers (some small businesses will phase in the rate over a longer time).  The wage increase will reach $7.15/hour on July 1, 2007.  Please call the Philadelphia Unemployment Project at 215-557-0822 if you did not receive $6.25/hour starting on January 1.

 

What can you do?

Call your Representative January 9: The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote on January 10 to raise the minimum wage from $5.15 an hour to $7.25 over two years. However, this bill may become bogged down with unneeded tax breaks and other legislation.  Call 1-800-459-1887 to be connected to the U.S. Capital Switchboard.


For a script to read when you call, click here
 

Click here to learn more about our upcoming events, including how to submit comments for the FMLA!
 

Autumn was a busy season for PathWaysPA.  We sponsored two forum events, held our annual Gala celebration, and kicked off our toy drive with a special performance of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown at the Media Theatre!
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In November, Philadelphia votes for its next mayor.  But before voting, Philadelphians can weigh in on the issues that matter most to them and their city.  The “Great Expectations” series, hosted by The University of Pennsylvania and The Philadelphia Inquirer, will bring together everyday citizens, civic leaders, and experts to discuss the challenges facing Philadelphia.


November’s election is bringing many new faces to Harrisburg and to Washington.  But you may have missed the outcomes regarding minimum wages, women taking elected office, and other important issues.


The Maternity Care Coalition recently released Childbirth at a Crossroads, a report detailing the dismal state of maternal and child health in Southeastern PA, exposing disturbing trends of provider shortages, health inequities, obstacles to accessing health care, and the inability of the health care system to respond to diverse populations.


DelcoAD's free tax assistance sites in Delaware County open January 27th!

Some tax preparers, especially those offering ‘instant’ refunds, charge very high fees. DelcoAD provides the same service, including e-filing, for FREE. Help your clients take advantage of free tax assistance so they are not taken advantage of by predatory lenders who can charge up to $500 to prepare taxes.  The DelcoAD service allows families to preserve the tax credits they have earned, such as the EITC.  Filing electronically through the DelcoAD service allows some tax refunds to be deposited to a checking or savings account within 2 weeks.

To find the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) site closest to you and your clients, please call the Philadelphia Campaign for Working Families at 215-686-2599 or find services nationwide by calling 1-800-829-1040.


Medication errors can occur in many circumstances.  To increase safety, it is important to report medication errors so that instances can be recorded and studied.  If you need to report any medication problems, contact the Institute for Safe Medication Practices 1-800-FAIL-SAF(E) or complete ISMP’s secure online reporting form at: https://www.ismp.org/orderforms/reporterrortoismp.asp. All communications are kept confidential.


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