Pennsylvania Budget Cuts Dampen Holidays for Many

For me, Gov. Tom Corbett set the moral tone for the last budget process by stating that providing a helping hand to those in need was a “core function of government.” But I also remember the term “waste, fraud and abuse” being used as a rallying cry by those who felt significant reductions could be made in state funding without compromising services to people in need and the charitable organizations that provide those services.

In central Pennsylvania, state funding cuts are having a detrimental impact on the ability of local non-profits to serve people. For example, The Arc of Cumberland and Perry Counties is projecting a $650,000 deficit this year because reimbursement rates from the state have been reduced. This is in addition to a similar-size loss the agency experienced last year.

The YWCA of Greater Harrisburg faces an analogous situation. It will receive more than $100,000 less this year as a result of cuts in state funding. This means the YWCA will serve 120 fewer individuals who are unemployed or underemployed or in need of child care.