November 21, 2023 - A federal court in western Pennsylvania ruled today that voters who submit mail ballots in time to be counted in an election — but who mistakenly forget to handwrite a date on the return envelope or write the wrong date — must have their ballots counted. Disqualifying those ballots is a violation of the federal Civil Rights Act, the court found.
On November 9, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission issued an order rejecting Philadelphia Gas Works’ (PGW) request for a $85.2 million annual rate increase. Instead, the Commission approved an annual rate increase of $26.2 million, a reduction of almost 70%, and ordered a series of adjustments to PGW’s rates and policies to advance affordability and equity.
Rising Together: The Faithful Pursuit Of Education Justice In Pennsylvania
We are POWER Interfaith, and we’re fighting for equity, justice, and opportunity in Pennsylvania – a battle to ensure that every child in our state has a chance to receive the world-class education they deserve.
For more than a decade, as chronicled by the publications linked below, POWER Interfaith has persisted – through the unwavering commitment of its members and allies and alongside students and educators – in the pursuit of education justice throughout Pennsylvania.
Building Communities of Opportunity that Work for All
POWER works with faith communities in Southeastern and Central Pennsylvania to address local and statewide issues while simultaneously strengthening the life of our congregations. Our path to creating a more just world involves teaching people of faith how to build and exercise their own power to address root cause of the daily injustices they face.
FEATURED CAMPAIGN
Civic Engagement
Our voter engagement work is crucial in ensuring that our Black and Brown communities are seen and heard! It is our life’s work to make sure that these communities “Get Out To Vote” and follow through in exercising their political power.
NEW: Annual Report 2021
An insurrection, continued political division, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The challenges of 2021 were in many ways a continuation of what we saw in 2020. Although last year’s elections weren’t as high-profile as the previous year’s, the fight for democracy continued in school board and commissioners and council meetings, across Pennsylvania and across the nation.
POWER organizers were there to educate, train, and support our communities as they grappled with issues and elections that would directly impact their day to day lives.
LATEST NEWS
Federal Court Rules Pennsylvania Mail Ballots Without a Handwritten Date On the Outer Envelope Must be Counted
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 21, 2023 CONTACT: Ian Pajer-Rogers, ACLU of Pennsylvania, media@aclupa.org Inga Sarda-Sorensen, ACLU National, 347-514-3984, isarda-sorensen@aclu.org PITTSBURGH, PA — A federal court in western…
POWER Interfaith Takes On Philadelphia Gas Works, Secures Significant Victories for Affordable Utilities
November 9, 2023 POWER Interfaith Takes On Philadelphia Gas Works, Secures Significant Victories for Affordable Utilities Local congregations organized to fight PGW’s rate increase and…
Rising Together: The Faithful Pursuit of Education Justice in Pennsylvania
Latest Updates
Lifting Up a Moral Voice with Political Muscle
We help equip community leaders with the skills needed to reach out into their neighborhoods, identify common concerns, research possible solutions, and work with public officials and private businesses to put those solutions into effect. Through our issue-based campaigns listed below, leaders learn how to build and sustain strong teams and networks, research and analyze community issues, develop campaign strategy, and work with elected officials to implement changes in public policy.
We are over 50 congregations throughout Southeastern and Central Pennsylvania
POWER Philadelphia
POWER Philadelphia represents congregations and faith leader located in West Philadelphia, Center City, Northeast Philadelphia, and North Philadelphia
POWER Metro
POWER Metro represents congregations and faith leaders located in Bucks County, Delaware County, Montgomery Count, and Chester County.
POWER Central PA
POWER Central PA represents congregations and faith leaders located in York County, Lancaster County, Dauphin County, and Lebanon County.
POWER Lehigh Valley
Our newest branch, POWER Lehigh Valley, represents congregations and faith leaders located in Lehigh and Northampton Counties.