Pennsylvania’s leadership is pressuring the state’s General Assembly to approve a program that would send $2,000 checks directly to the state’s residents.
The program, titled the PA Opportunity Program, will be eligible for household owners with an income of $80,000 or less, and it has already received support from Democratic members in the House and Senate. On Monday, Gov. Tom Wolf (D-PA), who has stated the program will offer “a life-changing difference for families,” called on Pennsylvania’s Republican-led General Assembly to support the program, according to a Monday press release.
“Why on Earth wouldn’t we act to do all of that, when we have the funds necessary to make this investment in the people of Pennsylvania, right now? I am once again calling on Republican leaders in the General Assembly to send a bill to my desk to help the people of Pennsylvania,” the governor said.
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The $500 million PA Opportunity Program was introduced in February earlier this year and was originally intended to use American Rescue Plan Act funds, but was changed to use general funds instead.
Rep. Sara Innamorato (D-PA) has joined Wolf in encouraging approval of the plan, arguing the $2,000 payment would help families recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Working people and families would greatly benefit from this much-needed support to cover the costs of childcare, groceries, back-to-school materials, and other basic household needs,” she said.
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In September, the state of Pennsylvania is giving a one-time payment to elderly and disabled Pennsylvanians who applied for property tax or rent rebates in 2021, with the 2022 payment being worth up to 70% of the original rebate, up to $1,657.50, Wolf announced Aug. 24.
