Terri Hamrick Kessel, MNM
Executive Director
Survivors, Inc.
Post Office Box 3572
Gettysburg, PA  17325
(717) 334-0589 Extension 22
Facsimile (717) 334-3576
EMail:  Terri@...
 
Mission Statement
Survivors supports those who experience domestic violence or sexual assault
and strives to create a world in which violence against women and children
is unthinkable.
 
 


-----Original Message-----
From: policy@... [mailto:policy@...] On Behalf Of
Nicole A. Lindemyer
Subject: ACTION ALERT: Domestic Violence Funding

This message is from the PCADV Policy Contacts List


PLEASE FORWARD WIDELY!

We need your voice to help us obtain critical funding for domestic violence
services!

The PA legislature is now on a short break so this is the perfect time to
reach legislators in their district offices! The State Senate resumes
session April 28, the State House resumes session on May 5.

Please call, write, or meet with your state legislators and ask them to:

1. Please include an increase of $2.2 million in the budget line item for
domestic violence services
- State funding for domestic violence services has increased only
five percent since 2001, while programs operating costs have
skyrocketed--food costs are up 18 percent, fuels and utilities are up 44
percent, and gasoline is up 71 percent since 2001.
- For DV programs, these dramatic increases are overwhelming, and
cannot be absorbed because budgets are already stretched too thin.
- Stagnant funding means that domestic violence programs have been
forced to cut services to victims and communities, and are struggling just
to keep their doors open.

2. Please cosponsor and vote "yes" on House Bill 59 or Senate Bill 269, our
legislation to increase dedicated revenue for domestic violence services
- This legislation will raise nearly $3 million each year in
reliable, stable funding for services for domestic violence victims
- The legislation will increase the marriage license surcharge $25
dollars and add a $25 fee to divorce filings
- The average cost of a wedding is $28,000, so the marriage license
fee is still one of the least expensive parts of getting married
- Domestic violence costs $5.8 billion per year in medical expenses
and lost wages, so investing in prevention is cost effective and smart
public policy!

To find your state legislators' contact info, go to www.legis.state.pa.us.

To read more about House Bill 59 and Senate Bill 269, click here: [
http://pubs.pcadv.net/public_policy/HB59%20&%20SB269%20Position%20Paper%2020
08-FINAL.pdf ]HB 59 & SB 269 Position Paper.

Please contact your state legislators today! Only with your help can we
sustain vital services to families in crisis. THANK YOU for your help!

Nicole A. Lindemyer, Esq.
Policy & Special Projects Manager
Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV)
6400 Flank Drive, Suite 1300
Harrisburg, PA 17112
(717) 545-6400, ext. 205
nal@...