By Steve Suroviec, President and CEO
Photo: Mary Hartley, President, The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh; Senator Devlin Robinson; Steve Suroviec, President and CEO, Achieva; Shayne Roos, Executive Vice President of Achieva; President of Achieva Support
In the past several weeks, Achieva has been proud to host two visits from local elected officials. State Senator Devlin Robinson (R) and State Representative Nick Pisciottano (D) came to Achieva to learn more about our mission and vision, as well as the challenges we face when it comes to covering the costs of operating a disability services organization in Pennsylvania. Senator Robinson represents the residents of the 37th senatorial district, which includes the western region of Allegheny County, while Representative Pisciottano serves the 38th legislative district, which includes the Monongahela Valley and South Hills regions of Allegheny County.
The timing of their respective visits to Achieva is important as the PA General Assembly is in the process of considering the State Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget proposal from Governor Shapiro. The administration’s budget includes a desperately needed increase in funding for the Intellectual Disability and Autism (ID/A) services system. Non-profit service agencies like Achieva have only received one rate increase from the state since 2017, while inflation in wages, health care benefits, fuel, and food have skyrocketed during the same period.
Photo: Mary Hartley, President, The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh; Representative Nick Pisciottano; Steve Suroviec, President and CEO, Achieva; Shayne Roos, Executive Vice President of Achieva; President of Achieva Support