United Way of PA Hill Day
talking points

PA 2-1-1

  • PA 2-1-1 is a dialing code used to connect citizens to health, human services, and disaster relief needs.
  • Currently, there are 6 regional 2-1-1 independent call centers, with a 7th center opening in the Northwest in May.
  • PA 2-1-1 operates using the same database, allowing for statewide easy-to-find information. This always for numerous reports and information to be collected and individualized to specific criteria, such as a specific zip code.
  • PA 2-1-1 is a stable statewide communication infrastructure that can be used in a broad variety of ways to support the work of state and local government.
  • Using this system has the potential to save state and local governments’ money by reducing duplicative services and easing the burden on state departments by helping reduce the number of misdirected calls.
  • 2-1-1 can also connect individuals with resources in their community which may help them avoid the need for more costly levels of care.
  • United Way of PA supports an investment of state funds for upfront costs to create a public-private partnership, strengthen 2-1-1 and assure a consistent experience for every user in the state.
  • United Way of PA supports exploring ways to increase the efficiency of state and local governments by contracting to provide services currently offered through government-operated information phone lines and providing data for health and human service planning.
  • United Way of PA supports working closely with state agencies to define shared goals to save taxpayer dollars by connecting Pennsylvanians in need to the right service at the right time.

Pre-K Funding

  • United Way of PA supports a $75 million investment in high quality Pre-k and Head Start programs in the 2017-2018 state budget
  • Pennsylvania has more than 300,000 3 and 4 year olds, but nearly 113,000 of them do not currently have access to high quality Pre-k.
  • United Ways network goals include increasing school readiness and assuring that children read at grade level by third grad, successful completion of middle school and increasing high school graduation rates.
  • 28 local United Ways in PA are doing significant work in helping students prepare to attend school, including pre-kindergarten programs. Discuss early childhood programs which your United Way is funding in your community, and talk about any outcomes measured or observed.
  • Increased commitments from government and the philanthropic sector in high quality early childhood education will reduce the need for special education and remedial instruction, increase the likelihood of graduation and college enrollment, and decrease dropout rates, crime and incarceration. Every dollar invested returns up to $17 in savings and benefits to the state.

State Budgeting Concerns

  • We urge the General Assembly and the Governor to recognize that funding levels for many services have not kept pace with increases in demands, nor increases in costs of providing services, and to invest in health and human service programs which demonstrate positive outcomes.
  • Every Commonwealth budget impasse is devastating to the service delivery system and result in service disruptions on waiting lists for much-needed help for citizens.
  • United Way of PA supports amendments to state law which protect PA’s service recipients and service providers by assuring that federal dollars allocated to the Commonwealth, and state dollars for essential services continue to be paid during a budget impasse.
  • United Way of PA support changes to the state budget process which will decrease the likelihood of future budget impasses.