Legislators reintroduce ‘PA Opportunity Program’, continue fiGHT FOR $2,000 DIRECT PAYMENTS TO PENNSYLVANIANS

Folcroft, PA – Governor Tom Wolf was joined by state Representative David Delloso and stakeholders and community members to discuss the reintroduction of the PA Opportunity Program, which would send $2,000 checks directly to Pennsylvanians.

“I first proposed the PA Opportunity Program back in February, but Republican leaders in the General Assembly just wouldn’t get on board with funding it in this year’s budget,” said Gov. Wolf. “However, as I’ve traveled the commonwealth, I’ve heard directly from so many people about how much this program would mean to them and their families. I’m not going to stop fighting until the people of Pennsylvania get the help they need and deserve.”

In February, Gov. Wolf unveiled a $1.7 billion proposal for Pennsylvania’s $2 billion in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars. While Democratic leaders in the Senate and House have introduced legislation, the Republicanled General Assembly did not appropriate the funding for the program during budget negotiations.

“This year’s budget made major investments in working families across the commonwealth, putting Pennsylvania on a pack to a brighter future, but we still have the funds to make this investment in the people of Pennsylvania right now,” said Gov Wolf. “People need help now, and we can afford to help them. Let’s put this cash back in the pockets of Pennsylvanians, to help cover the higher costs of gas, groceries, and everything else."

Rep. Delloso (D-Delaware) and state Senator Tina Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) have submitted co-sponsorship memos in the House and Senate signaling their intent to reintroduce legislation to fund the PA Opportunity Program using the commonwealth’s general funds. In the newly proposed PA Opportunity Program, Pennsylvania householders with an income of $80,000 or less would receive direct payments of up to $2,000. The program aims to help families still recovering economically from the COVID-19 pandemic and managing the current, every day increasing cost of living.

In addition to Rep. Delloso, Gov. Wolf was joined by state Senators Tim Kearney and Anthony Williams, Folcroft Council President Joe Papaleo, and stakeholders in the Folcroft community.