‘This chess game with people’s lives must end.’
Pennsylvania has entered its fourth month without a state budget, and essential services for victims of domestic violence are suffering.
The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV) is waiting for nearly $11 million in reimbursements from the state for costs incurred since July 1. The coalition and its network of 59 member programs have continued to provide life-saving services across the Commonwealth despite the budget impasse.
Though DV providers are called “essential” agencies that will receive payments in a budget impasse, very little money has been released by the state.
Why? During a state budget impasse, only federal dollars previously allocated for DV through some programs are released. For local providers, that is a very small part of their annual costs, and the federal shutdown threatens this lifeline.
PCADV continues to implore legislators to pass the state budget. Susan Higginbotham, CEO of PCADV, said “it is time for the legislature to act. Essential services means that programs need immediate funds, and victims of violence deserve urgent life-saving support.”
Scott L. Bohn, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Chief of Police Association stated, “these organizations are not merely support services—they are lifelines for survivors and essential partners in ensuring justice, safety, and healing.”
On Friday, PA Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced that the state’s Budget Bridge Loan program will be extended to DV providers. While PCADV is grateful for the loan offer, a 4.5% interest rate would be nearly impossible, especially given that it’s an unbudgeted expense for funds already appropriated by the state.
Legislation introduced by Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-39) to forgive the interest on budget bridge loans is up for vote this week.
Interest forgiveness would ease the burden on DV programs and other nonprofit human services organizations.
“If the Commonwealth cannot agree on a budget, we call on legislators to support Treasurer Garrity’s loan by waiving interest fees to support essential DV services,” said PCADV CEO Higginbotham.
“We can’t ask programs to rely on donations from supporters to foot the interest bill,” added Nicole Molinaro, President and CEO of Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh and PCADV Board Member. “It is time for our legislators to help DV victims and either pass a budget or waive loan fees.”
PCADV Policy Director Dr. Jenna Mehnert Baker said “this chess game with people’s lives must end. DV services are an essential public safety service that should be respected and funded as such – no more politics, just save lives.”