Keystone Today

The state of Pennsylvania has found a way to put money into families’ pockets.

The move comes as a result of the financial impact the two-year-old COVID-19 pandemic had on families.

“The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is in a strong financial position right now,” Gov. Tom Wolf said, according to the Official Pennsylvania Government Website. “That’s why it’s so important for us to use this opportunity to help Pennsylvanians. People all across the Commonwealth are still recovering from the upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Wolf made efforts to address his state's income struggles.

“Inflation is high, and everything from groceries to gas is a little more expensive than it used to be,” Wolf said on the website. “More than ever before, this is the time to invest in helping our people get back on their feet. That’s why I’m calling for action and for major investments to make life a little bit easier for all Pennsylvanians.”

During the length of his term as governor, the Wolf administration has attempted to remedy Pennsylvania’s finances through well-researched financial management and investments. When Wolf became governor, Pennsylvania was operating with a $2 to 3 billion structural deficit, and the Rainy Day Fund was down to a low of $231,800.

The Rainy Day Fund now has $2.8 billion to help Pennsylvanians out in emergencies that may arise in the future, and Wolf is expected to leave a multi-billion-dollar budget surplus to the next governor, who will be elected this fall. Wolf would be the first Pennsylvania governor to leave with a budget surplus since Gov. Dick Thornburgh (R). Thornburgh served as governor of Pennsylvania from 1979 to 1987 and then as U.S. attorney general from 1988 to 1991.