The Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition (PJC) Board of Directors, representatives from the Jewish Federations in Pennsylvania, Jewish (including partially Jewish) elected officials in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Senate, and representatives from the Orthodox Union met with Governor Tom Wolf to discuss efforts to combat anti-Semitism and hate throughout the Commonwealth. The PJC is in the process of working with the Governor’s office develop and implement an strong strategy to fight hate (discrimination and hate) throughout our state.
2019 – 2020 Legislative Agenda
Public Policy
- Promote understanding in our society, and oppose crimes of hate
- Develop and support legislation to deter anti-Semitism
- Develop and support legislation to deter violent acts inspired by hate
- Promote religious understanding in schools and society, through:
- Cultural awareness legislation and (2) removal of religious garb prohibition
- Oppose discriminatory actions toward immigrants (employment, housing, etc.)
- Reduce poverty in Pennsylvania
- Preserve and protect the State of Israel
- Promote the trade agreement between Pennsylvania and Israeli businesses
- Increase energy independence through conservation and alternative energy
- Continue assistance in the implementation of Holocaust education legislation: Act 70 of 2014
- Develop and support legislation to protect and secure communal spaces
Human Services Programs
Family Issues
- Provide funding for social service programs
- Provide safety net programs for families and individuals
- Improve assistance for individuals to overcome personal health obstacles (i.e. substance abuse)
- Improve assistance for individuals to receive education and technological skills to help advance in the workforce
- Increase assistance for food pantries throughout the Commonwealth
- Provide assistance for special needs populations of all ages (IDD, autism, etc.)
- Provide assistance for low-income families (LIHEAP)
- Sustain Medicaid/ Medicare/ SNAP funding; opposing work requirements that will hinder eligibility for coverage
Seniors
- Provide assistance for Aging in Place programs
- Provide assistance to and promote naturally occurring retirement communities (NORC)
- Provide assistance to public transportation; increase accessibility to/ from senior housing
- Provide safeguards to protect seniors from physical and financial abuse
Children
- Sustain funding (and/or increase) for Education Improvement Tax Credits (EITC and OSTC) and program expansion
- Improve Pennsylvania’s child care programs
- Improve Pennsylvania’s foster care system
- Support pre-kindergarten and private education programs
Create a safer and healthier environment
This list is subject to change pending the authorization of the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition’s Board of Directors under the guidance and direction of the Jewish Federations throughout Pennsylvania.