Co-Sponsorship Memo Details

2023-2024 Regular Session
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Emergency Relief for Our Most Vulnerable Pennsylvanians
December 13, 2022 12:04 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. Elizabeth Fiedler
Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler
D House District 184
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 use disorder 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 eliminated in 2019, 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 ended a vital lifeline for Pennsylvanians struggling to stay above water or get on their feet.
 
To address this, 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.
 
 
Legislation
Document - Introduced as HB 705
Emergency Relief for Our Most Vulnerable Pennsylvanians
December 13, 2022 12:04 PM to All House Members

Circulated By
KENYATTA and FIEDLER, 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 use disorder 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 eliminated in 2019, 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 ended a vital lifeline for Pennsylvanians struggling to stay above water or get on their feet.
 
To address this, 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.
 
 

Document
Introduced as HB 705
Generated 05/18/2025 04:17 AM