Keystone Today

Pennsylvania is home to over 122,000 Ukrainian immigrants, and Gov. Tom Wolf has made a stance to support Ukraine since the Russian invasion began. Other legislators are following suit.

Wolf recently praised SB 1176, sponsored by Sen. Lindsey Williams, and HB 2380, sponsored by Reps. Rob Matzie and Kevin Boyle, which would appropriate $2 million in funds toward helping Ukrainian refugees resettle in Pennsylvania, Wolf's office said in a release.

"This is not some crisis affecting strangers on the nightly news," Matzie said in the release. "These are our neighbors' families. This is local. This is real. This is touching our communities. It is time to again open our communities' doors and hearts to welcome newcomers to our commonwealth."

The proposed legislation is in line with Wolf's work to cut financial ties with Russia, which he has been outspoken about on a number of occasions, Wolf's office said. Pennsylvania has the second-highest number of Ukrainians in the nation and is home to a number of Ukrainian-owned businesses.

"Pennsylvania was founded on the ideals of peace, tolerance, and safety for all people, and we will continue to model these ideals and be a welcoming home for any who seek safe refuge in the United States," Wolf said in the release. "I am pleased to see the introduction of this legislation in our General Assembly to support necessary efforts in resettling Ukrainian refugees. This proposed funding will allow the commonwealth the flexibility to invest in refugee services quickly and efficiently, and ultimately provide a safe haven for these individuals."

The proposed legislation has $2 million in state funds going to providers contracted by the Department of Human Services' Refugee Resettlement Program, Wolf's office said. The funding is intended to bolster federal investments and develop more efficient methods to provide services for refugees. Services include help with job searching and becoming self-sufficient.

The funds will also go toward helping Ukrainians find housing, learn English as a second language, learn skills needed for employment, and gain certification relating to overseas degrees that don't transfer to the U.S., Wolf's office said.

"The first Ukrainian refugees are beginning to arrive in Pennsylvania this week, and the agencies ready to receive them need our support," Williams said in the release. "Over 4 million people have fled Ukraine, leaving behind almost everything as they escaped Russia's unprovoked attack on their homes and way of life. The New Neighbors Fund created by SB 1176 will allow our agencies on the ground to serve these refugees and meet their immediate needs as they arrive here in Pennsylvania and begin to heal and rebuild from the trauma they've experienced."

In support of Ukraine, the Wolf administration, Pennsylvania State Police and Capitol Police recently sent body armor for humanitarian workers in Ukraine, Wolf's office said. Wolf was also among the first governors to ask state liquor stores to ban alcohol made in Russia.

"Pennsylvania stands ready to support Ukrainians fleeing their country and would welcome them here in the commonwealth," Wolf said. "Thank you to the members of the General Assembly for proposing this critical legislation that I look forward signing into law when it lands on my desk."