WASHINGTON, D.C. – September 24, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — The Campaign for What Works says “It’s Time” to send legislation changing the name of the Department of Public Welfare to the Department of Human Services to Governor Corbett for his signature.
Bob Nelkin, chairman and chief professional officer of the United Way of Allegheny County and a leader of the Campaign for What Works, is urging the General Assembly to act quickly. The legislature returns to voting session on Monday, Sept. 23.
Time to Remove Stigma
The name change is vital to removing the stigma attached to the term “welfare” for the hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians who receive human services. Nelkin says it is time for Pennsylvania to be in sync with its 67 counties and every other state. Pennsylvania is the only state that continues to use the words “Public Welfare” in the name of the agency providing human services. Every PA county has a “human services” agency.
From The Campaign for What Works
While both the Senate and the House approved the name change during the Spring voting session, the clearest path for a bill to get to the Governor’s desk is for the Senate to approve the House-passed bill (HB993). Nelkin said the Campaign for What Works trusts legislative leaders to figure out the best way to get it done soon.
Bipartisan Support for Change
The House approved its bill by a strongly bipartisan 137-65 vote. The Senate passed identical language by an overwhelming bipartisan 40-10 vote in a different bill.
All four caucus leaders, Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi, Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa, House Majority Leader Mike Turzai, and Minority Leader Frank Dermody, along with Governor Corbett are supporters of the name change. The PA Constitution requires both chambers to approve the same bill before sending to the governor.
Bridgette Gaussa, a domestic abuse survivor whose two children were born premature and needed services supportedbytheWelfare Department, said she’s been employed since age 16. She believes the name change is vital for working persons who receive state services.
“The name change… means so much to myself and all of the others that are simultaneously receiving services and contributing to society,” said Gaussa.
Marisa Niwa, who has Down syndrome, said she’s been working at a Giant Eagle supermarket for 12 years, and pays taxes like any other citizen.
“I hope… I will someday move into an apartment with my friends… I do not need welfare, but I will need some services,” Niwa said. Both Gaussa and Niwa are from Allegheny County.
For a shareable one page document on the issue, click here.
