Keystone Today

Pennsylvanians might soon be getting an extra $2,000 if Gov. Tom Wolf has his way, as he continues to push for sending checks to residents to help them cope with inflation.

Department of Human Services Acting Secretary Meg Snead and state Rep. Dan Williams urged Republican legislators of the state General Assembly to advance a bill that would see Pennsylvanians receiving $2,000 checks, Wolf's office said in a release.

"Pennsylvanians shouldn't have to wait any longer," Snead said in the release. "Let's get this money into the hands of our neighbors who need it the most."

The money would come from the $500 million PA Opportunity Program, which itself was funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, Wolf's office said.

"The cost of everything from gas to groceries is a little higher right now than it was just a few weeks ago and for Pennsylvanians living paycheck to paycheck even a small increase in expenses can mean painful decisions like paying for food or rent," Snead said. "In the Department of Human Services, I see the disadvantages in communities across Pennsylvania and these $2,000 checks would make a great impact as prices around us soar."

The money would go directly to state residents who make no more than $80,000 in an effort to help them with higher cost of living and to recover from COVID-19-related expenses, Wolf's office said.

"Pennsylvanians are feeling the pinch of rising prices on everything from gas to groceries," Williams said in the release. "While we still need to address the corporate greed and price gouging occurring, we're seeing far too much of, our friends and neighbors need assistance right now. With a record state surplus this year and American Relief Plan funds that haven't been used, let's not delay and put this money to work for everyday Pennsylvanians. The Pennsylvania Opportunity Program would provide relief payments to help working families address their greatest needs."

Though state Senate Democrats have been introducing bills in support of the PA Opportunity Program, the Republican majority in the General Assembly have been dragging their feet on allocating the federal funds, Wolf's office said. Should the gridlock continue until Dec. 31, 2024, the funds will return to the federal government.

"We are all eager to put COVID-19 behind us, but the fact is many Pennsylvania families are still recovering from the economic fallout of the pandemic and rising consumer costs," state Sen. Carolyn Comitta said in the release. "The Pa Opportunity Program puts relief where it belongs — in the pockets of Pennsylvanians who need it the most. This one-time payment can make a big difference for families struggling to pay for necessities like utilities, groceries, childcare, or gas."