TAKE ACTION TO HELP PENNSYLVANIA'S NON-PROFITS

The lack of a state budget is hurting Pennsylvania's nonprofits and those they serve. Many nonprofits are starting to lay-off staff and cuts services.  As nonprofits begin to close their doors or cut back on services, our children, elderly and Pennsylvanians with special needs will no longer receive the services they depend upon. 

At a time when public contributions and foundation grants are growing scarce, nonprofits are already facing severe economic stress.  For nonprofits with state contracts, especially health and human service providers, the budget impasse is having a devastating impact.   

Many counties are lending money to their nonprofits so they can continue to provide essential human services. Others counties have no money left to lend. Their nonprofits have been operating on lines of credit since June 30.  As reported in last week’s Inquirer, JFCS has had to borrow $300,000 a month at an interest rate of 6%.  Even once the budget is passed, the interest money will not be recouped.

Time is running out, and so are their lines of credit. If Pennsylvania still has no budget by the end of August, the remainder of the State's 67 counties will no longer be able to cover the lack of state funds. Nonprofits would be forced to shut their doors, and thousands would become unemployed. 

PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL YOUR STATE SENATORS AND STATE REPRESENTATIVES TODAY and give them the following message:

(1)  Tell them that you are a volunteer/donor to Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and that funding nonprofit services is critical.   

(2) Stress that not having a budget is hurting real people and the organizations that serve them.  (3) Tell them that Pennsylvania needs a budget that appropriately funds nonprofits services NOW!

To find your state legislator and his/her contact information, please click on the following link:

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/