State lawmakers may cut a program that gives about $200 a month the state's poorest
State lawmakers are now deciding whether to cut a program that gives about $200 a month to the poorest people in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania’s General Assistance fund targets specific populations that don’t qualify for traditional welfare and need urgent assistance, including people who are fleeing domestic violence, have disabilities and cannot work, are in treatment for a substance use disorder, face an injury or illness, and face a crisis and need temporary help. Most participants are disabled — temporarily or permanently — and waiting for the state to approve a disability claim through Social Security, a process that can take up to two years to complete, according to state and county human services officials.
This isn’t the first time the funding source has been under attack. Under Gov. Tom Corbett, the program was scrapped in 2012. However, the state Supreme Court ruled against its elimination on procedural grounds, and Gov. Tom Wolf revived it last year. Department of Human Services press secretary Erin James said that as of May, 11,095 people in Pennsylvania were receiving General Assistance. She said that most recipients receive $205 each month, and in order to qualify, they must have a monthly income less than this amount.
“Any income below the limit that is received by the recipient is subtracted from the maximum GA grant,” said James, adding that use of the funds is “expressly prohibited for purchases in liquor stores, casinos, or places for adult entertainment.”
Read more: https://www.theintell.com/news/20190618/state-lawmakers-may-cut-program-that-gives-about-200-month-states-poorest
(Doylestown Intelligencer)