Gov. Tom Wolf is pushing for direct payments of up to $2,000 for Pennsylvania households using federal stimulus check funds that if not used will be lost.
Governor Tom Wolf proposed a “$1.7 billion plan to help Pennsylvania fully recover from the pandemic and pave the way for a successful future” in February. Part of his proposal included $500 million for the PA Opportunity Program which would send households in the Keystone State with an income of $80,000 or less a direct payment for up to $2,000.
Legislation has been introduced in both the Senate and House by Democratic lawmakers but the “Republican-led General Assembly has been slow to act,” on his plan or provide one of their own to use federal stimulus check funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The state is sitting on $2 billion in federal ARPA funds that must be used by 31 December 2024 or it gets sent back.
“Pennsylvanians need our support even more today”
Gov. Wolf Pushes For More Stimulus Checks
Earlier this month Gov. Wolf was joined by Representative Patty Kim in Harrisburg to call on GOP state lawmakers to pass the PA Opportunity Program to help Pennsylvanians burdened by rising prices. “A lot has changed since then, from inflation to price increases to war in Ukraine. Pennsylvanians need our support, even more, today than they did in February,” Gov. Wolf said.
The governor has touted his Stimulus check plan as a way to help workers and families still reeling from financial hardship caused by the pandemic. The direct payments would boost household income for many who are “still covering pandemic-related costs, stabilizing their budgets, and rebuilding their savings.”
The funds would give much-needed relief to cover expensive childcare and household expenses. Additionally, provide Pennsylvanians opportunities to complete educational and training courses to “strengthen their skills and increase income—all leading to a better quality of life.”
Gov. Wolf has previously said that residents “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.”
