Gov. Tom Wolf made a $1.7 billion proposal in February, which included a push for $2,000 in direct payments to many Pennsylvanians, months ago. Here’s where that push for stimulus checks in Pennsylvania stands.
“Pennsylvanians should not have to choose between paying for utilities or groceries, childcare or gas. We have the opportunity and the means to ensure they’re not struggling, to ensure their success,” Wolf said in a statement. “I’m asking the General Assembly to unite across aisles on this for the sake of every Pennsylvanian — for when they succeed, our commonwealth succeeds. Let’s get this money out of our coffers and into the pockets of Pennsylvanians.”
Democratic leaders in both the House and Senate introduced bills to support the program: Senate Bill 1204 and House Bill 2531.
“Times are tough right now as prices have gone up on everything from gas to groceries, and I’m here to talk about solutions,” Wolf said, according to Newsweek. “I support long-term solutions to better support working families, like raising the minimum wage, but I’m also proposing a solution to help Pennsylvanians get back on their feet right now.”
The plan would reportedly provide $2,000 direct payments to Pennsylvanians making $80,000 or less. Wolf’s press release stated, “The program aims to help families still recovering economically from the COVID-19 pandemic or support them with covering pandemic-related costs and managing the current, every day increasing cost of living.”
According to Wolf’s Press Secretary Elizabeth Rementer, Pennsylvania’s Republican-led General Assembly “have been slow to act on committing the federal funding or introduce any plans for the dollars.”
Hence, Pennslyvania is reportedly sitting on over $2 billion in federal ARPA aid. If not used by Dec. 31, 2024, the funds will be sent back to the federal government.
“The governor has made it clear that Pennsylvanians need and deserve this direct funding,” Rementer clarified via email. “Instead of moving the bills and getting relief out to Pennsylvanians, Republicans are choosing to allow this funding to sit in bank accounts while Pennsylvanians are in need.”
The gov. office is behind the push for more stimulus checks, but due to Pa.’s Republicans, the funds are just sitting there for now.
CORRECTION: Earlier version of this story said Wolf’s proposal was made in late April instead of February. Two bills have been introduced. Rementer clarified the Republican-led General Assembly is sitting on the funds.
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