[KeyStoneChapter] Fwd: Updated PA Needs Care Capitol Rallies Press Release (please share)

[Preston Gaylor]

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From: Josie Badger <josie at jbadgerconsultinginc.org>
Date: Wed, Sep 24, 2025 at 3:48 PM
Subject: Updated PA Needs Care Capitol Rallies Press Release (please share)
To: James Sawor <jsawor at thearcpa.org>, Chris Jacobs <cpostjacobs at gmail.com>,
<abby at thearclancleb.org>, Preston Gaylor <prestongaylor21 at gmail.com>,
Eileen Ellis <eme5036 at gmail.com>, Julie Platt <jplatt at mhphope.org>, Blake
Emmanuel <bemmanuel at thefundcc.org>, <hallmanwhitney at gmail.com>, Shane
Janick <sjanick at arcphiladelphia.org>, <morganplant at mac.com>, <
mpagan at roadstf.org>
CC: Christie Cyktor <christie at jbadgerconsultinginc.org>, Everett Deibler <
Everett at jbadgerconsultinginc.org>


*PRESS RELEASE*

*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

*Pennsylvanians Rally at State Capitol to Defend Medicaid and Advance the
Family Care Act*

*HARRISBURG, PA — September 29, 2025* — Advocates, caregivers, families,
and community leaders will gather at the Pennsylvania State Capitol today
for *PA Needs Care Day*, a joint movement to defend Medicaid and demand the
passage of the *Family Care Act*.

The event features back-to-back rallies in the Capitol Rotunda, beginning
with the *#SaveMedicaid Rally* at 10:00 AM, followed by the *Family Care
Act Rally* at 11:00 AM. The day concludes with a peaceful sit-in as
advocates call for urgent legislative action.

*"Today we stand together to say: Care is not a privilege — it’s a right,"*
- MC and disability advocate *Josie Badger*.
------------------------------

*#SaveMedicaid Rally (10:00–11:00 AM)*

Speakers will highlight the essential role of Medicaid in the lives of
Pennsylvanians with disabilities, mental health needs, and long-term care.
The rally will also address proposed policy threats, including work
requirements and program cuts.

*Key Speakers:*

   - *Josie Badger*, Disability Advocate (MC)
   - *Erin Gabriel*, Parent Advocate
   - *Rep. Dan Miller*, PA House of Representatives
   - *Mr Dan Miller *Mental Health Community Leader
   - *Dr. Christie Cyktor*, Disability & Generational Equity Advocate
   - *Secretary Val Arkoosh*, PA Department of Human Services

------------------------------

*Family Care Act Rally (11:00–11:45 AM)*

*Theme:* Care Is a Right, Not a Privilege

The Family Care Act (HB200/SB906) would create a paid family and medical
leave program in Pennsylvania — allowing workers to care for loved ones
without risking their jobs or income. Speakers will emphasize the bill’s
bipartisan roots and its importance for people with disabilities,
caregivers, and working families.

*Key Speakers:*

   - *Josie Badger*, Disability Advocate (MC)
   - *Rep. Joe Hohenstein*, PA House of Representatives
   - *Sandra Carroll*, Family Caregiver
   - *Rep. Arvind Venkat*, Physician & Legislator
   - *Monica Albert*, Nurse and PWD
   - *Hanaa Hawthorn* Mental Health Caregiver

------------------------------

*Why This Matters*

   - *1 in 4* Pennsylvanians has a disability
   - *Over 53 million* Americans serve as unpaid caregivers
   - Cuts to Medicaid and lack of paid leave put lives, jobs, and
   communities at risk

*“Pennsylvania is strongest when we support care,”* said Josie Badger. *“We
need lawmakers to act now — because no one should have to choose between
health and income, between caregiving and survival.”*
------------------------------

*Accessible Entrance:* Commonwealth Ave (near the fountain), Harrisburg, PA
*Register:* https://forms.gle/2HqQ644v28i3xqP18

Contact: Josie Badger – 724-944-0429, josie at jbadgerconsultingservicesinc.org
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