Co-Sponsorship Memo Details

2019-2020 Regular Session
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Emergency Relief for Our Most Vulnerable Pennsylvanians
July 2, 2019 04:24 PM to All House Members
Circulated By
Photo of Representative Representative Malcolm Kenyatta
Representative Malcolm Kenyatta
D House District 181
Along With
Photo of Representative Rep. Melissa Shusterman
Rep. Melissa Shusterman
D House District 157
Memo
The General Assistance (GA) program was a financial lifeline for many of our state’s most vulnerable residents. The program provided $200 on average a month to those who were unable to work, those caring for loved ones who were sick or disabled, veterans, women fleeing domestic violence and adults receiving substance abuse treatment. This program provided assistance in paying for the basic necessities of life – things we often take for granted, such as toiletries, transportation, shelter, utilities or medication.
 
Unfortunately, the GA program was recently eliminated, severing an important lifeline that helps connect people with emergency assistance during some of the most trying times of their lives. The elimination of this program will undoubtedly affect the thousands of Pennsylvanians who are relying on a temporary hand up to achieve stability and self-sufficiency.
 
To address this injustice, we will be introducing a bill to provide emergency relief to those who previously received support through GA. As state legislators, we must do all that we can to help Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable and neediest residents instead of causing irreparable harm. It is our hope that you will join us in supporting this vital legislation. Thank you for your consideration.
 
Legislation
Document - Introduced as HB 1709
Last updated on July 2, 2019 04:25 PM
Emergency Relief for Our Most Vulnerable Pennsylvanians
July 2, 2019 04:24 PM to All House Members

Circulated By
KENYATTA and SHUSTERMAN

Memo
The General Assistance (GA) program was a financial lifeline for many of our state’s most vulnerable residents. The program provided $200 on average a month to those who were unable to work, those caring for loved ones who were sick or disabled, veterans, women fleeing domestic violence and adults receiving substance abuse treatment. This program provided assistance in paying for the basic necessities of life – things we often take for granted, such as toiletries, transportation, shelter, utilities or medication.
 
Unfortunately, the GA program was recently eliminated, severing an important lifeline that helps connect people with emergency assistance during some of the most trying times of their lives. The elimination of this program will undoubtedly affect the thousands of Pennsylvanians who are relying on a temporary hand up to achieve stability and self-sufficiency.
 
To address this injustice, we will be introducing a bill to provide emergency relief to those who previously received support through GA. As state legislators, we must do all that we can to help Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable and neediest residents instead of causing irreparable harm. It is our hope that you will join us in supporting this vital legislation. Thank you for your consideration.
 

Document
Introduced as HB 1709

Last Updated
July 2, 2019 04:25 PM
Generated 03/24/2025 12:32 AM