Pennsylvania Voters Speak: Is Harrisburg Listening?

When a majority of Pennsylvania voters get behind a plan, leaders in Harrisburg should pay attention. Across the commonwealth voters are saying yes to investments in early learning, investments in basic and special education.

A new Franklin and Marshall poll released earlier this week shows a majority of Pennsylvania voters support the Governor’s proposed budget. The poll found that 59% of voters support the proposal that includes a $120 million increase in funding for early learning, $500 million increase in basic and special education, and $159 million increase in higher education. The poll also found that 60% of voters support an increase in their personal income taxes in exchange for lower property taxes.

Despite support among voters, the proposed budget still faces a challenging political landscape in Harrisburg as the state legislature sets its budget priorities. Now is the time to join us and let your voice be heard! Over the next three months citizens must engage their legislators to rally support for increased investments for children.

انقر هنا to sign up for the Pre-K for PA Capitol Caravan on Wednesday, April 1st.

انقر هنا to join PCCY’s Education Action Day in Harrisburg on Tuesday, April 14th.

Will our Next Mayor Pledge to Serve Children?

Just one week after issuing a challenge to the next Mayor of Philadelphia, four of six democratic mayoral candidates signed on to the Pledge for Philadelphia’s Children! Candidates Nelson Diaz, Jim Kenney, Doug Oliver and Anthony Hardy Williams signed the pledge issued by more than two-dozen organizations, including PCCY, serving Philadelphia children.

Candidates who sign the Pledge commit their future administration to support specific actions to better the lives of children. Let the candidates know that service to children is a priority to Philadelphia families and help us reach the goal to have every candidate running for mayor sign the Pledge.

انقر هنا to print out the pledge and take it with you to Mayoral forums and debates.

Congress heard your voice; Bipartisan CHIP Bill Passes

Your phone calls urging your Representative to fund CHIP as-is worked! The U.S House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a bill that extends funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) for the next two years. The bill does NOT contain any of the adverse policies put forward in a proposal PCCY reported two weeks ago that could have caused some kids to lose benefits or wait to secure coverage.

Every Pennsylvania U.S. House member voted in favor of the bill. انقر هنا to call your Representative and thank them.

The bill now moves to the U.S. Senate for consideration where there is a proposal to extend CHIP funding for four years which is preferable because it ensures long-term stability of the program.

انقر هنا to call your U.S. Senator in their home office this week while they are on a break and tell them to fund CHIP for four years.

School Play is the Hottest Ticket in Town

Did you get your tickets yet? Very few seats remain for School Play on April 8th and 9th at the National Constitution Center. Email schoolplay@childrenfirstpa.org to get your free tickets before they sell out. انقر هنا to learn more about School Play.

Feeling Sporty?

A little more than one month remains until PCCY’s 2015 Public Citizen of the Year event. At this year’s celebration on April 29th at Vie on North Broad Street, we will honor Greg Redden, Region President for Wells Fargo.

By attending this year’s event, you’ll have a chance to hit a home run for kids by bidding on a number of sports items including autographed memorabilia from all of Philadelphia’s sports teams.

انقر هنا to buy your tickets and learn about sponsorship opportunities.