PathStone’s public policy efforts are designed to promote and support the mission of our organization, which simply states: “PathStone builds family and individual self-sufficiency by strengthening farmworker, rural and urban communities. PathStone promotes social justice through programs and advocacy.”

In keeping with PathStone’s mission, the staff of PathStone will monitor and seek to influence public policies and the policies of influential private companies which affect the well-being of those who our organization serves.

PathStone will monitor those federal, state, local and private programs which affect the lives of the people we serve. We will advocate for improvements in those programs and for adequate funding to meet the needs that we identify.

PathStone supports positive, progressive immigration reform that provides stability for families and individuals who seek work in this country, reduces uncertainty and fear, provides a fair and clear path towards citizenship for those who seek it, supports sustainable community and economic development for the home countries of migrant workers, insures safe and fair working conditions for migrant workers and provides opportunities for them to improve their education and skills.

PathStone supports the elimination of labor law exclusions that have a negative impact on farm workers.

PathStone supports programs that protect the health and safety of workers, provide education and training for workers who wish to improve their skills, and provide rehabilitation services for disabled individuals.

PathStone supports programs that provide quality affordable care and early childhood care, education and nutrition programs for the children of parents who work. PATHSTONE supports youth education and training programs and literacy programs.

PathStone supports affordable housing efforts that insure an adequate supply of decent, affordable housing for both renters and home owners.

PathStone supports adequate funding of federal and state rental assistance programs that support low income renters.

PathStone supports programs which provide resources for supportive services for the residents of affordable rental projects.

PathStone supports programs which help first time homebuyers who are unable to afford down payment and closing costs. PATHSTONE supports adequate funding for programs that provide comprehensive financial education and pre and post-purchase home buyer education that helps homeowners protect themselves from those who would take advantage of them.

PathStone supports programs that provide resources for the repair, rehabilitation and weatherization of the homes of low income households.

PathStone supports community development efforts that encourage residents to improve their communities.

PathStone supports laws and regulation which protect vulnerable households from unscrupulous lenders and brokers who charge unnecessarily high fees and interest rates.

PathStone supports programs that encourage and help low income households to build assets and financial security.

PathStone supports strong and improved laws that promote reinvestment by financial services companies in our communities.

PathStone supports programs that provide resources for community-based economic development programs that help low wealth individuals who wish to start their own business or expand an existing business. PATHSTONE supports programs that provide appropriate training and fairly priced financing for these small businesses.

PathStone supports programs that protect vulnerable people from harm. PathStone supports programs that protect women from domestic violence and help abusers learn to control their destructive behavior. PathStone supports programs that teach people to protect themselves from HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases.

PathStone supports the right of all low income individuals to have access to tax representation with the IRS in controversies at no cost. PathStone opposes discrimination in access to taxpayer rights information due to income level, language, and qualification for low income tax benefits.

PathStone supports the implementation of a new Farm Bill that takes into account the needs of all rural residents.

PathStone supports the rights of Seniors to continue productive work lives for as long as they wish.