United Way of Pennsylvania l November 13, 2025 | | A Turning Point for Pennsylvania: State Budget Passage and Federal Government Reopening | | |
After more than four months of uncertainty, Pennsylvania and the nation have both taken important steps toward stability. The passage of the state budget and the end of the federal government shutdown mark a meaningful shift for families, nonprofits, and communities across the Commonwealth.
A key outcome in the state budget is the creation of a refundable Earned Income Tax Credit for ALICE households, set at 10 percent of the federal EITC. This new credit will help ease financial strain for working families and reflects years of advocacy by United Way of Pennsylvania, our network, and our partners.
The Legislature made changes to child care subsidy eligibility to align with federal law and codify language that’s been in the fiscal code – it will allow individuals to stay in the program with family incomes up to 300% FPL or 85% of State Median Income, whichever is lower if money is appropriated. Despite the childcare subsidy funding not being increased, this is a win for working families in Pennsylvania and will increase access to childcare across the state.
Childcare recruitment and retention was funded at $25 million, and while less than the $55 million proposed in Governor Shapiro’s budget, it still is a major win for our ECE workforce. This funding will help address the challenge of staffing shortages in childcare and is a much-needed step forward in strengthening the childcare sector and helping working families.
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The budget also maintains level funding for PA 211. While additional investment is still needed to meet rising demand, UWP will continue working with state leaders to strengthen this essential service and ensure Pennsylvanians can connect to resources when they need them.
At the federal level, the reopening of the government brings relief after weeks of uncertainty for households and service providers. With federal operations restored, agencies can move forward with applications, reporting requirements, and program administration.
United Way of Pennsylvania and PA 211 will continue to monitor how both developments affect access to programs across the state. We remain committed to sharing timely updates and supporting Pennsylvanians as they move forward with greater stability and confidence.
| | Meeting the Moment: How United Ways Supported Communities Through Crisis | | |
When the federal shutdown and Pennsylvania’s budget impasse put SNAP, LIHEAP, and other public benefits on hold, Pennsylvanians across the state immediately felt the impact. Households who were already stretched began turning to their local nonprofits for help, and the United Way network and PA 211 quickly saw growing strain in the communities we serve.
Throughout the fall, United Ways across Pennsylvania adapted to meet these gaps—organizing food and winter-warmth drives, releasing emergency funds or securing matching gifts to support basic-needs partners, and creating short-term assistance programs for households whose benefits were paused. UWP worked alongside them, participating in the Coalition of Critical Services Providers to advocate for a state budget and federal budget and elevate the challenges nonprofits were facing during the impasse and shutdown.
PA 211 played a central role in providing real time data for community needs. As public officials and community organizations encouraged residents to call 211 for help, call volume and referrals rose sharply. Since early October, PA 211 has seen a 239% increase in food-related needs and a 349% increase in referrals compared to this time last year. This real-time data gave United Ways a clear picture of what families were experiencing and where gaps were growing.
Now that the federal shutdown and state budget impasse have officially ended, Pennsylvania can begin moving forward, with PA 211’s data continuing to track the impact on communities as programs return and organizations rebuild. United Ways will continue to adapt to meet evolving needs, and that ability to respond quickly and collectively is the power of the United Way network.
| | Celebrating Local Leadership and the Power of the United Way Network Across Pennsylvania | | Over the past few months, the United Way of Pennsylvania team has had the privilege of visiting with local United Ways across the Commonwealth — not only to celebrate milestones and community events, but to see firsthand why this network matters, especially in times of uncertainty. Across the state, Pennsylvanians are navigating rising needs and economic pressure. In moments like these, United Ways continue to adapt and mobilize quickly while supporting long-term change. | |
Like at United Way of Beaver County, UWP had the opportunity to present about their United Works Program. Born from a community-identified need, United Works ensures residents have access to valuable educational opportunities that lead to well-paying, meaningful jobs. By helping adults gain skills and credentials, the program helps individuals move from ALICE to greater financial stability. United Works is shaping workforce development strategies across Pennsylvania and demonstrating that when United Way invests in people, communities thrive.
At Clinton County United Way, their innovative Stay Mobile, Stay Employed program helping ALICE households afford essential auto repairs, recognizing that reliable transportation is key to workforce stability. It’s a powerful example of how United Ways identify local challenges and build creative, practical solutions to meet real-time needs.
We also had the honor of celebrating the 100th anniversaries of United Way of Lawrence County and United Way of Lancaster County, recognizing a century of community-driven impact and resilience. These milestones remind us why collective investment in the United Way network matters more than ever: local, flexible giving powers rapid response in times of uncertainty and builds the foundation for a more resilient Pennsylvania.
| | Across the state — whether through innovative employment pathways, transportation supports, volunteer mobilization, or century-long investments in community trust — local United Ways are showing up in the moment and building a foundation for a stronger future. | | Clinton Global Initiative 2025 | | |
United Way of Pennsylvania was honored to be invited to participate in the Clinton Global Initiative, joining leaders and changemakers from around the world to discuss solutions that strengthen communities and improve lives. The event provided an opportunity to elevate the voices of ALICE families and highlight the innovative work happening across Pennsylvania to advance financial stability and opportunity.
This invitation reflects the growing recognition of United Way’s leadership in connecting local innovation to global movements for change. UWP was proud to represent the collective strength of our statewide network and share how local partnerships are driving impact for families facing economic hardship.
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Our participation also builds on a strong partnership with the Clinton Foundation, following UWP’s pilot with Too Small to Fail and the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. Together, we are expanding access to early learning resources and helping parents and caregivers support their children’s literacy and development—both in Pennsylvania and beyond.
United Way of Pennsylvania is grateful for the chance to contribute to these important global conversations and to continue advancing a shared vision of stronger, more equitable communities for all.
| | Your Support Powers Change Across the Commonwealth | | |
United Way of Pennsylvania extends heartfelt thanks for your generous support — powering our statewide efforts and the work of local United Ways across the Commonwealth. Your commitment helps connect Pennsylvanians to vital resources through PA 211, strengthen financial stability for ALICE households, and build brighter futures where everyone can thrive.
This November, we invite you to continue making a difference by supporting your local United Way, contributing to our work with ALICE families, or helping connect Pennsylvanians to essential resources through PA 211. Together, we’re building a stronger, more resilient Pennsylvania for all.
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