PCIC has an IAF 3-day leadership training scheduled on January 23-25 and a benefit concert coming up on March 9th.
As 2013 comes to a close, here’s a short update on some of the organization’s work:
- Medicaid expansion was passed and roughly 300,000 low-income Arizonans will be eligible for health insurance starting on Jan. 1st
- Funding for JobPath was increased by both the City of Tucson and Pima County.
- JobPath has now moved over 1,300 participants out of poverty, through training and into living wage jobs;
- Pima College approved in-state tuition for DACA (dream) students;
- Kidco had its funding preserved and a new site was approved at Manzo Elementary;
- Bus fares did not increase and the Ronstadt Transit Center is still downtown;
- Eight Health Care (ACA) Academies have been held and several more are planned. The Health Action Team has conducted over 20 research actions with hospitals, health centers, insurers, doctors and other health professionals;
- DACA workshops were held to help young “Dream” students enroll;
- Funding for education centers was added to the Pima County Bond list;
- Three statewide clergy immigration assemblies were held and over 400 faith, business and civic leaders held simultaneous Arizona Speaks assemblies to call for immigration reform. Clergy met with Sen. McCain, and Representatives Barber, Grijalva and Kirkpatrick. Immigration reform is delayed but not defeated;
- The Green Economy Team met repeatedly with the Arizona Corporation
- Commission and TEP to push for renewable energy and energy efficiency and on behalf of low-income electric customers;
- Over 350 PCIC leaders held a Community Issues Accountability Session with City Council candidates and discussed their plans to reduce poverty, and New institutions like Santa Catalina Catholic and Dove of Peace ELCA joined PCIC, Most Holy Trinity and Catalina UMC became more active again, and others like Casas Adobes UCC, Vista de la Montana UMC and Rincon UCC have begun participating.
Thanks for supporting the work of PCIC during the past year. Our work together affects the lives of thousands and makes Tucson, Pima County and Arizona a better place for all.