Social Service Agencies Brace for Governor's Budget
By: Eric Deabill
Updated: February 5, 2013
Jessup, Lackawanna County - Social service agencies across the commonwealth are bracing for the 2013-2014 Pennsylvania budget which will be unveiled by Governor Tom Corbett Tuesday morning.
While many of the details of the spending plan are closely guarded, agencies are already worried about if their funding levels will stay the same or decrease for another year.
At the Mid Valley Senior Center in Jessup, the hall was bustling with bingo activity Monday morning. The seniors who use the facility say it is an important part of the community.
"It gives us an opportunity as senior citizens to get out a few days a week, mingle with the people, make new friends," Genevieve Kowalchik of Jessup said.
The senior center is run by United Neighborhood Centers.
For the last several years, Governor Corbett has proposed deep cuts to the social service industry.
In October, the United Neighborhood Centers had to decrease the number of days the Mid Valley Senior Center could open its doors because of budget cuts.
"We have to come in now three days a week instead of five and some of the programs had to be eliminated or be put on the back burner until something happens where we can get enough money to have all these programs back," Frank Krok of Peckville said.
Gary Drapek with the United Way of Lackawanna & Wayne Counties is also concerned.
He has no idea what funding levels the governor plans to propose so there is a lot of anticipation and nervousness about Tuesday's announcement.
"We are to the bone right now," Drapek said. "We are cut to the bone. We cannot afford nor will we be able to survive any further cuts."
Besides a plan to privatize the state liquor system, Governor Corbett has already announced he plans to keep funding levels for higher education unchanged from this year.
He has also announced funding for three new state police classes.
During his campaign, Corbett also pledged not to raise taxes.
At the Mid Valley Senior Center, people hope the governor doesn't forget about them.
"I hope he realizes that the seniors need some extra-cirricular activities to meet and enjoy themselves," Krok said.
The governor will unveil his budget at 11:30 Tuesday morning in Harrisburg.
Eyewitness News will be there and have complete coverage and the impact on northeastern Pennsylvania Tuesday night.
