Keystone Today

Gov. Tom Wolf (D-PA) recently proposed a $1.7 billion plan, which includes several programs that he is hoping will improve the present and future for Pennsylvanians.

Now he is calling on the Pennsylvania Legislature to take action on his proposed plan.

“Our commonwealth is sitting on billions of dollars in federal COVID-19 relief money that is meant to help our citizens,” Wolf said, according to the Official Pennsylvania Government Website. “It is past time to use that money for its intended purpose -- to improve the lives of Pennsylvanians. Like helping Pennsylvanians afford child care and after-school care, like the program here at North Light Community Center. We know the positive impact quality child care has on future generations, as well as the economic impact child care has on a guardian’s ability to remain employed. A lot of households across the commonwealth are still recovering financially from the pandemic, and this money would go a long way to helping the people who are still hurting.”

Although may people have been resilient during the coronavirus pandemic, some families are still dealing with pandemic-related costs, refiguring their budgets and trying to add to savings. The PA Opportunity Program would provide relief to families for child care expenses and household expenses, along with a chance to earn a degree, credential or license. Improving job skills leads to increased income, which can lead to a better quality of life for Pennsylvania residents.

The COVID Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance Program would offer grants between $5,000 and $50,000 to small businesses that have been negatively impacted by the pandemic. Recipients can use these grants for operating expenses or for technical assistance to stabilize or relaunch their businesses. The program will offer grants first to rural communities, as well as women- and minority-owned businesses. Wolf wants to put $225 million toward this program to help approximately 11,000 businesses.

“As minority chair of the Children & Youth Committee, I applaud and support the governor’s proposal to ensure that families who were particularly hard-hit over the past two years due to the pandemic have access to additional financial resources to help their families recover and stabilize,” State Rep. Pamela DeLissio (D-Roxborough) said, according to the Official Pennsylvania Government Website. “The need for high-quality child care, both in terms of availability and affordability, were highlighted in particular during the past two years of the pandemic.”