What are we watching?

Paid Family Leave / Family Care Act (State) - The House bill (HB200) is waiting for a vote on the floor and the Senate (SB906) bill has just been introduced and referred to the Labor and Industry Committee. For a bill to be signed or vetoed by the governor, it must pass both chambers (House of Representatives and Senate). More information on paid family leave HERE.

Allegheny V PA DHS (State)- This court case challenges the ban on abortion services being funded by Medicaid in the Commonwealth. While a ruling was set for June, the Judge will hear new oral arguments on October 8th. We will be hosting a Watch Party at our office (113 E Evans St, Suite A, West Chester) from 9:30am-11am to watch the oral arguments and unpack the issues at hand - and we would love for you to join us as we talk about and unpack real issues that affect women and their access to reproductive healthcare in PA. To register, fill out this FORM. If you cannot join but want to watch live, tune into PCN (an online free live streaming service).

Big Beautiful Bill (Federal) - The "Big Beautiful Bill" (HR1) was signed into law in July, and while we cannot change it, we are closely watching the impacts as this will help guide our efforts. Did you know many parts of this law did not immediately go into effect? While some did (like Medicaid work requirements) many did not - and won't until VERY intentional times (like the month after elections). We will be communicating more because voters need to know what is about to happen, why, and how it impacts gender equity. Soon, we will be rolling out our "Policy Watch" campaign - stay tuned!

Medina v Planned Parenthood (Federal)- The US Supreme Court ruled that individual states could exclude Medicaid funding from going to any clinic that also provides abortion - specifically impacting Planned Parenthood clinics across the country. While Governor Shapiro has pledged to not allow this to happen in Pennsylvania, we are closely watching as reproductive access IS healthcare. See our statement on the ruling HERE.

What are we working on?

Paid Family Leave



What is paid family leave? Think unemployment, but for major medical, childbirth/bonding, safe leave/survivor benefits, or caring for a loved one who is ill or has a disability. The Family Care Act is a bill in the PA House and Senate that would create a paid family leave program here in PA. To learn more about to advocate for paid leave and how you can get involved, click HERE!

Executive Director Cheryl Brubaker and Director of Advocacy and Policy Blake Emmanuel at a round table event hosted by Representative Chrissy Houlihan on paid family leave.

Vote16PA



Have you heard about Vote16PA? This new initiative at The Fund is a program for high school and college age students in which the goal is pass legislation that would allow 16 and 17 years to vote in school board elections. New Jersey, Maryland, and California already do this in several counties!

To learn more about this initiative and the importance of student voices in education, click HERE!

What can YOU do?

Want to take learn how to work with your elected officials and get more involved in making sure that the bills that are passed into law reflect your values? Learn more about or sign up for our advocacy group HERE!

Reach out to your state representatives and senators asking them to support the Family Care Act, Medicaid, and more. Find our "How To" guide HERE!

Want to learn more or have questions? Our Director of Advocacy and Policy, Blake Emmanuel, is here to help you! Email her at bemmanuel@thefundcc.org or reply to this newsletter.

Upcoming Event!



You're invited on October 30th for an evening of celebration and connection –with drinks, food, raffle baskets, laughter, and a little witchy fun.

Join us as we raise a glass to the women who dare to lead and spark change.

For more information and to register, click HERE.

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