The state’s 2011–12 budget could have far reaching effects on local social service agencies servicing children and families.

While much of the public attention focused on the $27.15 billion spending plan’s impact on basic and higher education, essential human services and social programs are taking a hit.

“For every area you look at, they’re going to have a hard time in the city, particularly — but all over the state in making ends meet in a humane way,” said Shelly Yanoff, executive director, Public Citizens for Children and Youth.

“The irony of course is that if you want to be supporting business, you should be supporting keeping people employed and we’re not. I know of organizations that are laying people off now, and I would anticipate that we are going to see a lot more of that.”

While Yanoff declined to name some affected organizations, she says child care providers, agencies who contracted with the Philadelphia School District for after-school programs, job training agencies and nonprofits that assist the homeless would be affected.

Some state legislators have spoken out and voted against the spending plan.

“This spending plan is reprehensible,” state Sen. LeAnna Washington said in a release.

“It snatches money from the very services that our vulnerable citizens have come to depend upon in times of economic distress, while propping up big corporations and the Marcellus Shale industry with significant tax breaks. It is a budget that is filled with the Republicans misplaced priorities.”

Washington noted that significant cuts to the Human Service Development Fund, which went from $24 million last year to $14.5 million in the current budget, means that needy Pennsylvanians will be left out in the cold, including victims of domestic violence.

“Domestic violence is a serious issue in Philadelphia,” Washington said.

“The cut to HSDF make it increasingly difficult for domestic violence support services like legal support, emergency shelters and domestic violence hotlines to continue, thus furthering the danger that these victims face.”

The Philadelphia Tribune – July 5, 2011 – Leer artículo en línea